ecclesiastical

adjective

ec·​cle·​si·​as·​ti·​cal i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-kəl 

e-ˌklē-

1

: of or relating to a church especially as an established institution

2

: suitable for use in a church

ecclesiastically

i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-k(ə-)lē 

e-ˌklē-

adverb

Synonyms

• churchly
• ecclesial
• ecclesiastic

Examples of ecclesiastical in a Sentence

ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries

Recent Examples on the Web

Hint #3: Wednesday's answer has ecclesiastical connections. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

One cardinal accuses another of simony, the buying and selling of ecclesiastical office. —Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024

Later, in the room set up for the studies to which the Saint's major relics will be subjected – and only with the presence of the scientific medical team and the members of the ecclesiastical court – has the silver tomb been opened. —Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 9 Sep. 2024

By Caroline Reilly October 25, 2024 When Suzie Davies began preparations to create the ecclesiastical world for Edward Berger’s papal thriller, Conclave, she was immersed in a decidedly different world: that of Saltburn. —Caroline Reilly, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

ecclesiastical

adjective

ec·​cle·​si·​as·​ti·​cal ik-ˌlē-zē-ˈas-ti-kəl 

e-ˌklē-

variants or ecclesiastic

-tik

: of or relating to a church

ecclesiastical history

ecclesiastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb