The term "pagan" refers to individuals or groups that practice a religion or belief system that is not one of the major world religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Historically, the term has been used especially to describe polytheistic religions that worship multiple gods and nature. In contemporary contexts, "pagan" can also refer to modern spiritual or religious movements that draw on ancient beliefs and practices.
The word "pagan" comes from the Latin term "paganus," which originally meant "country dweller" or "civilian." It was used in a derogatory sense by early Christians to describe those who lived in rural areas and continued to practice ancient polytheistic religions.