free church

1 of 2

noun

1

: a church whose sittings are for all and without charge

2

or Free Church : a church not established or under state control:

a

Free Church in Scotland : the church organized by those who left the Church of Scotland in 1843 to be free from state control in spiritual matters

called also Free Kirk

b

Free Church in England : a nonconformist church

free-church

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to a church that is not an established church

the American free-church system

free-churchly adverb

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

free church

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now