The correct spelling of the term is "Mormon," derived from the name of Joseph Smith's foundational text, the Book of Mormon. While pronounced with a long "o" sound (mawr-muhn), the original phonetic spelling of the word includes a schwa sound (mɔrˈmɑn). The false spelling of "Morman" likely arises from confusion with the word "Moroccan," or from generational spelling errors passed down through families unfamiliar with the original spelling.
The term "Mormon" refers to an individual who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a Christian religion that originated in the early 19th century in the United States. The name "Mormon" is derived from the Book of Mormon, a religious text regarded by adherents as scripture alongside the Bible.
As a noun, "Mormon" specifically denotes someone who embraces the teachings, doctrines, and practices of the LDS Church. Mormons believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and consider Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, as a prophet and religious leader who restored the gospel of Jesus Christ. They adhere to the principles of baptism and following moral guidelines outlined by their faith.
Outside of religious contexts, the term "Mormon" can also refer to anything related to or associated with the LDS Church, its members, or its beliefs. This wider usage includes cultural aspects such as Mormon traditions, customs, arts, and literature. Additionally, it is important to note that in recent years, leaders of the LDS Church have encouraged the use of the full name of the church rather than the term "Mormon" when referring to their faith, emphasizing their belief in Jesus Christ and clarifying their religious identity.