Heathen/ˈhiːðn/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Religious nuance Used for someone outside major religions, often from a dominant religion's view. The villagers called the foreign traders heathens. Pro Tip 2/3Potential offense Can be derogatory or offensive if used to single out different beliefs. Calling his beliefs heathen hurt his feelings. Pro Tip 3/3Historical context Once common to justify colonization or conversion efforts. Explorers labeled the indigenous peoples heathens to convert them.