Zoroastrianism
/ˌzɔːroʊˈæstriənɪzəm/noun
A monotheistic Iranian religion founded on the teachings traditionally attributed to the prophet Zoroaster.
Did you know?Zoroaster’s original Avestan name was Zaraθuštra, but its exact meaning remains debated; Greek writers transformed it into Zōroastrēs, the source of the English form.
Etymological Timeline
2nd–1st Millennium BCE
Avestan
Zaraθuštra
“The name of the prophet traditionally regarded as the founder of the religion; its precise etymology is disputed.”
Classical Antiquity
Ancient Greek
Zōroastrēs
“Greek rendering of Zaraθuštra, used for the prophet Zoroaster.”
Late Antiquity
Middle Persian
Zardusht
“Middle Persian form of the prophet’s name.”
Medieval Period
Arabic/Persian
Zarādusht / Zardušt
“Forms used in Islamic-era writings for Zoroaster and his religious tradition.”
18th Century
English
Zoroastrian
“English adjective and noun referring to Zoroaster or the religion associated with him.”
19th Century
English
Zoroastrianism
“The modern English name formed from Zoroastrian plus the suffix -ism, meaning a religious or ideological system.”
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