1
a
: a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma
Catholic doctrine
b
: a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations
the Truman Doctrine
c
law : a principle of law established through past decisions
d
: a military principle or set of strategies
e
: something that is taught
2
archaic : teaching, instruction

Did you know?

The original doctrines were those of the Catholic Church, especially as taught by the so-called doctors (religious scholars) of the Church. But today a doctrine can come from many other sources. Old and established legal principles are called legal doctrine. Traditional psychiatrists still follow the doctrines of Sigmund Freud. Communist doctrine in the 1920s and ʼ30s was often the teachings of Lenin, which were then regarded in the Soviet Union as almost sacred. U.S. presidents have given their names to doctrines as well: In 1823 the Monroe Doctrine stated that the United States would oppose European influence in the Americas, and in 1947 the Truman Doctrine held that America would support free countries against enemies outside and inside.

Examples of doctrine in a Sentence

The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people. Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud. teaching religious doctrine to young people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because Moore was working for the network, Eady is also suing them by respondeat superior, a legal doctrine that holds employers responsible for the wrongful conduct of their employees. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 6 June 2025 Wednesday's ruling was unrelated to the Trump administration pending invocation of the state secrets privilege, a legal doctrine often used in military cases. Arkansas Online, 5 June 2025 After Mao died, new leadership saw the folly of the Maoist doctrine. Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 In the past three years, for example, the justices have overturned Roe v. Wade, struck down affirmative action and a decades-old regulatory doctrine, and given Mr. Trump broad immunity from criminal prosecution. Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for doctrine

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin doctrina, from doctor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of doctrine was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Doctrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctrine. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: something that is taught
2
: a principle or the principles in a system of belief
doctrinal
-trən-ᵊl
adjective
doctrinally
-ᵊl-ē
adverb
Etymology

Middle English doctrine "instruction," from early French doctrine and Latin doctrina (both, same meaning), from earlier Latin doctor "teacher," from docēre "to teach" — related to docile, doctor

Legal Definition

: a principle established through judicial decisions compare law, precedent

More from Merriam-Webster on doctrine

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