catechism

Everyday

1. (church) A summary of the main beliefs of a Christian church, set out as questions and answers, used to teach the faith. tree →
2. (church) Lessons in which children or new members learn these beliefs. tree →
3. A set of questions asked one after another, like a test. tree →

In the lessons

Met in church life: children learn the catechism before First Communion or Confirmation. It tells the reader someone is learning the beliefs of their faith. Phrases: the Catholic catechism, learn the catechism, catechism class.

Examples

• My cousin goes to catechism class on Saturdays. tree →
• The catechism asks, "Who made you?" tree →
• She learned the catechism before her Confirmation. tree →
• The priest taught the catechism to the children. tree →
• Our church gives every family a copy of the catechism. tree →
• Grandma still remembers her catechism from long ago. tree →
• Mum put me through a catechism of questions about where I'd been. tree →

Note

Pronounced KAT-a-kiz-um. Countable. Related: catechist (teacher of it), catechise. The last sense is a playful use for many questions.