luther

IPA/lˈuːðə/
KK[lˈuθɚ]IPA/lˈuːθər/

luther — noun

1. Martin Luther (1483–1546), a German monk and religious teacher who started the P

1.nounB2
Definition

Martin Luther (1483–1546), a German monk and religious teacher who started the Protestant Reformation by publicly objecting to practices of the Catholic Church.

Example

Eri wrote a report about how Luther translated the Bible into German.

proper name as subject; historical context

The guide showed visitors the church door where Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses.

Usage Note

In modern English, 'Luther' almost always refers to the historical figure Martin Luther. The adjective 'Lutheran' describes churches and beliefs that follow his teachings, and 'Lutheranism' is the name of that Christian tradition.

Common Mistakes

Luther was the leader of the Lutheran Reformation.
Luther was the leader of the Protestant Reformation.
'Lutheran' is the adjective for the church tradition named after him, not the Reformation itself.

Word family

Etymology

Old High GermanGermanEnglish

The name 'Luther' comes from a German surname of Germanic origin. Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a German monk whose protests against the Catholic Church began the Protestant Reformation. His last name later gave rise to the terms 'Lutheran' (the church tradition based on his teachings) and 'Lutheranism' (the theological system he developed).