apostolic

adjective

ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌa-pə-ˈstä-lik 

1

a

: of or relating to an apostle

b

: of, relating to, or conforming to the teachings of the New Testament apostles

2

a

: of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders

b

: papal

apostolicity

ə-ˌpä-stə-ˈli-sə-tē 

noun

Examples of apostolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2014, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru by Pope Francis, according to the Vatican. —May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025

In April 2020, Francis appointed him to be the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Callao, also in Peru, his profile said. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 8 May 2025

Following his departure from East Timor, the Holy Father is headed to Singapore for the final leg of his apostolic journey. —Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 10 Sep. 2024

But after the Mass ended, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony over the basilica entrance for more than 20 minutes and imparted the apostolic blessing in Latin. —Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appostolike, borrowed from Late Latin apostolicus, borrowed from Late Greek apostolikós, from Greek apóstolos "messenger, envoy, apostle" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing apostolic

• apostolic delegate
• prefect apostolic
• prefecture apostolic
• prothonotary apostolic
• protonotary apostolic
• vicar apostolic

Rhymes for apostolic

• alcoholic
• anabolic
• catabolic
• cytosolic
• diabolic
• diastolic
• ethanolic
• hyperbolic
• melancholic
• metabolic
• methanolic
• parabolic

Kids Definition

apostolic

adjective

ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌap-ə-ˈstäl-ik 

1

: of or relating to an apostle or the apostles

2

: papal