1. people who do not belong to a widely held religion (especially one that is not Christian, Jewish, or Islamic) as regarded by those who do
Usage: often considered offensive; historical usage
2. uncivilized or irreligious people
Usage: often considered offensive; derogatory

Examples

• The missionaries sought to convert the heathens to Christianity.
• Medieval texts often referred to non-Christians as heathens.
• The term ‘heathens’ is now considered offensive by many people.
• Historical accounts described encounters with so-called heathens.
• Modern scholars avoid using ‘heathens’ due to its negative connotations.
• The word heathens reflects the religious prejudices of earlier eras.