First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1heathen
adjective hea·then \ˈhē-thən\
Definition of HEATHEN
1
: of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2
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Origin of HEATHEN
Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣthen; akin to Old High German heidan heathen, and probably to Old English hǣth heath
Related to HEATHEN
- Synonyms
- barbarian, barbaric, barbarous, savage, heathenish, natural, Neanderthal (or Neandertal), rude, uncivil, uncivilized, uncultivated, wild
- Antonyms
- civilized
Other Christian Religious Terms
2heathen
noun
plural heathens or heathen
Definition of HEATHEN
1
: an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible
2
: an uncivilized or irreligious person
— hea·then·dom \-dəm\ noun
— hea·then·ism \-thə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
— hea·then·ize \-thə-ˌnīz\ transitive verb
See heathen defined for English-language learners
See heathen defined for kids
First Known Use of HEATHEN
before 12th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
HEATHEN[2] Defined for Kids
1heathen
adjective hea·then \ˈhē-thən\
Definition of HEATHEN for Kids
1
: relating to people who do not know about and worship the God of the Bible
2
: not civilized
2heathen
noun
plural heathens or heathen
Definition of HEATHEN for Kids
1
: a person who does not know about and worship the God of the Bible : pagan
2
: an uncivilized person
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