noun

tract

A short pamphlet, especially about religion or politics.

Volunteers hand out religious tracts on the busy sidewalk.

Etymology

The Latin noun means a treatment of a subject. Tract shortened the larger written-discussion sense to a brief pamphlet, often advocating religious or political views.

More examples

  • The political tract argues for lower taxes.
  • A stack of tracts sits near the church entrance.
  • Her latest tract calls for sweeping changes to election laws.

Forms

tract · tracts

Similar words

pamphlet
A short printed publication, not necessarily religious or political.
leaflet
Usually a single sheet rather than a small multipage publication.