noun
The most common use: a Buddhist temple, especially in formal, written, historical, or architectural contexts.
京都には古い寺院が多い。
There are many old Buddhist temples in Kyoto.
その寺院は国宝に指定されている。
That temple has been designated a national treasure.
noun
religious building; place of worship; church or mosque
Broader use for religious buildings in general, often in compounds or comparative discussion. For a specific Christian church or Islamic mosque, 教会 or モスク is usually more direct.
この地域には、ヒンドゥー教寺院やイスラム寺院が多い。
This region has many Hindu temples and Islamic places of worship.
研究者たちは世界各地の寺院建築を比較した。
The researchers compared religious architecture from around the world.