Search Dictionary
Definition of doctrine

doctrine

/ˈdɒktrɪn/
doc · trine
Adverb:doctrinally
•
Plural:doctrines
•
Adjective:doctrinal
JUMP TO:

doctrine Lexical Profile

doctrine Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, academic school, or other group.

Example

"The religious scholar spent decades studying the ancient theological doctrine of the monastery."

2

A stated principle of government policy, mainly in foreign or diplomatic affairs, or an established rule of legal precedent.

Example

"The appellate court relied on the fair use doctrine to resolve the copyright dispute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for doctrine
Antonyms
View all antonyms for doctrine

• Nearby Words

doctorate
doctorfish
doctrinal
doctrine
docudrama
document
documentable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French doctrine, from Latin doctrina ('teaching, learning, body of teachings'), derived from doctor ('teacher') and the verb docere ('to teach, show, or instruct').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Doctrine. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/doctrine
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.