Definition of ECCLESIASTICAL (original) (raw)
1
: of or relating to a church especially as an established institution
2
: suitable for use in a church
Synonyms
Examples of ecclesiastical in a Sentence
ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She has been recognized multiple times for her age, including: Jan. 2, 2022 – Oldest Brazilian ecclesiastical person ever. —
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 In the 16th century, Rabelais furnished his novels with long lists of books, using the titles to satirize ecclesiastical libraries, the clergy, and religion in general. —Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 During the Jubilee year of 2025, when some 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to flock to the Eternal City in search of spiritual forgiveness, the ecclesiastical abundance will be compounded by crowds. —David Laskin, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 Hint #3: Wednesday's answer has ecclesiastical connections. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ecclesiastical 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English ecclesiasticall, from Late Latin ecclēsiasticus "of the Christian Church" + Middle English -all -al entry 1 — more at ecclesiastic entry 1
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of ecclesiastical was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near ecclesiastical
Cite this Entry
“Ecclesiastical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecclesiastical. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 13 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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