1. books or manuals containing religious instruction in the form of questions and answers
Usage: plural of catechism
2. series of fixed questions and answers used for religious instruction
Usage: plural of catechism
3. sets of basic principles or beliefs presented systematically
Usage: plural of catechism; figurative use

Examples

• The Sunday school teacher distributed catechisms to all the students.
• Children memorized their catechisms before confirmation.
• The church published new catechisms in multiple languages.
• Various denominations use different catechisms for instruction.
• Political parties sometimes create catechisms of their core beliefs.
• The professor compared ancient and modern catechisms in his lecture.