noun
Uncommon
Methodist
MEH-thuh-dihst
Methodist (noun) means a member of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley. Example: “Her grandparents were devout Methodists who attended church every Sunday.”
noun
1
A member of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley.
"After years of debate, hundreds of United Methodists from all over the world gathered in St. Louis last week to settle the denomination’s stance on LGBT clergy and same-sex weddings."
— Dakin Andone, Fractured after vote against LGBT clergy, weddings, United Methodists face possible split (2019)
"Her grandparents were devout Methodists who attended church every Sunday."
adjective
1
Relating to the Methodist Church or its beliefs.
"They were married in a Methodist chapel."
How to use Methodist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA follower of the Methodist Christian denomination.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Methodists
- Comparative
- more Methodist
- Superlative
- most Methodist
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Her grandparents were devout _____ who attended church every Sunday.
Etymology
From method + -ist — originally a mocking nickname for the methodical, disciplined religious practices of Wesley's followers.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Methodist” mean?
The word “Methodist” means a member of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley. In plain terms, a follower of the Methodist Christian denomination.
How do you pronounce “Methodist”?
“Methodist” is pronounced MEH-thuh-dihst (/ˈmɛθədɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “Methodist” in a sentence?
Here is “Methodist” used in a sentence: “Her grandparents were devout Methodists who attended church every Sunday.”
What part of speech is “Methodist”?
Depending on how it is used, “Methodist” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “Methodist” a common word?
“Methodist” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Methodist” have?
“Methodist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a member of the Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination founded on the teachings of John Wesley.
What is the difference between a Methodist and a Baptist?
Methodists and Baptists are both Protestant Christian denominations but come from different traditions: Methodism developed from the teachings of John Wesley, while Baptist churches have their own distinct history and practices such as believer's baptism. Both share core Christian beliefs but differ in church structure and certain traditions.
Is "Methodist" always capitalized?
Yes, "Methodist" is a proper noun and adjective referring specifically to the Methodist Church, so it is capitalized whether used as a noun (a Methodist) or an adjective (a Methodist church).
Can "Methodist" describe anything outside of religion?
No, "Methodist" is used specifically in relation to the Methodist Church, its members, or its beliefs. As an adjective it modifies religious nouns like "church," "minister," or "tradition" rather than unrelated topics.
