1. A religious cult that anticipates a time of joy, serenity, and justice when salvation comes
   "The cargo cult believed that Western goods would be delivered to them by their ancestors"
    
2. (Melanesia) the followers of one of several millenarian cults that believe salvation will come in the form of wealth ('cargo') brought by westerners; some ascribe divine attributes to westerners on first contact (especially to missionaries)
   "The cargo cult built mock airstrips in hopes of attracting planes with goods"

Derived forms: cargo cults

Type of: cult, cultus, religious cult

Encyclopedia: Cargo cult