holiness

1 of 2

noun

ho·​li·​ness ˈhō-lē-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being holy

—used as a title for various high religious dignitaries

His Holiness the Pope

2

: sanctification sense 2

holiness

2 of 2

adjective

often capitalized

: emphasizing the doctrine of the second blessing

specifically : of or relating to a perfectionist movement arising in U.S. Protestantism in the late 19th century

Synonyms

Noun

• blessedness
• devoutness
• godliness
• piety
• piousness
• sainthood
• saintliness
• saintship
• sanctity

Examples of holiness in a Sentence

Noun

the holiness of this sacred place

known throughout the world for his holiness, the prophet was visited daily by hundreds of pilgrims

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pope Leo’s election has instantly made the rituals of the Vatican feel a touch more familiar to Americans—and perhaps made the idea of holiness feel a touch more attainable. —Christopher Hale, Time, 9 May 2025

In life, Pope Francis caught the world’s attention with his humility and his holiness. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025

For a generation raised to believe that holiness was synonymous with flawlessness, Francis offered something radically different and deeply freeing: a Christianity rooted in the grace of mercy. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

Jesus told the woman to leave her life of sin and walk in a new life of holiness. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for holiness

• lowliness

Kids Definition

holiness

noun

ho·​li·​ness

ˈhō-lē-nəs

1

: the quality or state of being holy

2

capitalized

—used as a title for various high religious officials

His Holiness the Pope