adjective
non-denominational
non-di-nom-i-NAY-shuh-nl
Non-denominational (adjective) means not tied to any one branch or denomination of a religion, and open to people of different traditions. Example: “They married in a non-denominational chapel so both families felt included.”
adjective
1
Not tied to any one branch or denomination of a religion, and open to people of different traditions.
"They married in a non-denominational chapel so both families felt included."
"The hospital has a non-denominational prayer room."
2
Of a school or organisation: not run by or aligned with any religious body.
"The trust runs three non-denominational primary schools."
How to use non-denominational
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReligious, but not attached to any one church or group.
When to use it
Neutral. British writing usually hyphenates it; American writing often writes nondenominational as one word.
Memory tip
Both non-denominational and nondenominational are correct; pick one spelling and stay with it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
non-denominational church
non-denominational service
non-denominational school
non-denominational prayer
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They married in a _____ chapel so both families felt included.
Etymology
From non-, 'not', plus denomination, from Latin denominare, 'to name'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for non-denominational
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for non-denominational →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between non-denominational and secular?
Non-denominational is still religious; it simply refuses to belong to one particular denomination. Secular means not religious at all, so a secular ceremony involves no worship of any kind.
What is the difference between non-denominational and interdenominational?
Interdenominational means several named denominations are cooperating. Non-denominational means the church or event does not identify with any denomination in the first place.
Is a non-denominational church Christian?
In most English-speaking countries yes: the term usually describes a Christian church that stands outside Baptist, Methodist, Anglican and similar structures while still holding Christian beliefs.
What is the meaning of non-denominational?
"non-denominational" (adjective) means not tied to any one branch or denomination of a religion, and open to people of different traditions.
