vestal

1 of 2

adjective

ves·​tal ˈve-stᵊl 

1

: of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta

2

a

: of or relating to a vestal virgin

b

: chaste

vestal

2 of 2

noun

: vestal virgin

Synonyms

Adjective

• chaste
• clean
• decent
• G-rated
• immaculate
• modest
• pure
• virgin
• virginal

Examples of vestal in a Sentence

Adjective

a schoolteacher who dresses with almost vestal modesty while on the job

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These vestal get-ups are, in fact, the latest in a long line of subversive pop culture interpretations of the lives (and loves) of nuns. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

There were papal cloaks styled as trench coats, and vestal robes turned into coveralls, but with a solemn finish that showed respect for both the clothes and the creative congregation that wants to wear them. —Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2022

Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame. —Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017

Noun

With ritual precision, the vestals awaken their miserable charges each dawn and roll them about on their beds of pain while performing ablutions, in the formal movements of which the maidens are highly trained. —Gabriel Winant, The New Republic, 23 May 2018

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vestal

• vestal virgin