# cult

/ˈkəɫt/ (US) · /kˈʌlt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cult
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unorthodox religious group

noun · CEFR B2

a religious group with extreme beliefs that are different from most people's, often led by one powerful person.

For teachers: a religious or philosophical group characterized by unorthodox beliefs, extreme devotion to a charismatic leader, and isolation from mainstream society.

- The family was worried when their son joined a mysterious cult and stopped calling them.
- Sociologists often distinguish between a new religious movement and a cult based on the degree of control the leadership exerts over the members' private lives.

### 2. intense admiration

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a group of people who are very obsessed with a specific person, idea, or activity.

For teachers: a group of people exhibiting intense, often obsessive, admiration for a particular person, idea, or fashion.

- There is a cult of personality around the tech CEO, with fans buying everything he suggests.
- The author has developed a small cult of followers who dissect every cryptic clue hidden within her experimental novels.

### 3. historical religious rites

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the system of religious worship and ceremonies used in the past for a specific god.

For teachers: a system of religious veneration and ritual directed toward a particular figure or object, especially within a historical polytheistic framework.

- Archaeologists found evidence of an ancient cult that worshipped the sun.
- The cult of Mithras was particularly popular among Roman soldiers stationed in the northern provinces during the second century.

### 4. niche popularity

adjective · CEFR B2

describes something that is very popular with a small, loyal group of people but not with everyone.

For teachers: denoting something that has a small but very dedicated and passionate fan base.

- The 1980s movie was a box office failure, but it became a cult classic years later.
- Despite poor initial reviews, the game achieved cult status due to its unique mechanics and dark, atmospheric storytelling.

## Examples

- The old movie has a huge cult following.
- The documentary explores how the charismatic leader convinced his followers to join the cult and move to a remote farm.
- While the film was a commercial failure upon its initial release, it eventually achieved cult status among horror enthusiasts who appreciated its unconventional narrative structure and dark humor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.