# Zion

/ˈzaɪən/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zion
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the hill or city of Jerusalem

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

a hill in Jerusalem that is often used as a name for the whole city in religious books.

For teachers: the hill in Jerusalem on which the Temple was built; by extension, the city of Jerusalem itself.

- The ancient songs tell of the people returning to Zion after many years.
- The pilgrims looked upon the walls of Zion with a sense of profound spiritual fulfillment, having traveled for months to reach the holy site.

Usage: Often used with 'the' or as a proper noun without an article in poetic contexts.

### 2. a spiritual home or utopia

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a perfect place where people live together in peace and follow God.

For teachers: a symbolic place of peace, unity, and righteousness; a spiritual kingdom or utopia.

- The community hoped to build a new Zion in the wilderness.
- In various religious traditions, Zion represents not just a physical location but an ideal state of social and spiritual harmony.

Teaching tip: This sense is common in hymns, poetry, and the theology of the Latter Day Saint movement.

## Examples

- The poet wrote about finding a path to Zion.
- In many spiritual traditions, Zion represents a promised land where the weary can finally find rest and justice.
- The concept of Zion has evolved from a specific geographical location in Jerusalem to a broader symbol of liberation and spiritual homecoming within various religious and literary movements.

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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.