worldly

adjective

world·​ly ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē 

ˈwərl-lē

worldlier; worldliest

1

: of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs

worldly possessions/pleasures

Not for wealth, in its vulgar sense, had he ever sighed; not for the enjoyment of rich things had he ever longed; but for the allotted share of worldly bliss which a wife, and children, and happy home could give him …

—Anthony Trollope

Religious fervor, which the crusaders had in spades, did not preclude or even hinder their worldly ambition.

—Stephen O'Shea

2

: possessing or displaying significant experience and knowledge about life and the world : worldly-wise

… a wealthy, fabulously successful gay businesswoman who blows stuff up and dispenses worldly wisdom in equal amounts.

—Piers Marchant

… took the occasion to impart a bit of worldly advice.

—Erich Segal

The essays collected here counterpose two groups of men: "the worldly men" of "covetous ambition," in the words of poet Henry King, and those whom they pushed aside in their scramble to the top.

—Michael S. Kimmel

worldliness noun

Synonyms

• cosmopolitan
• smart
• sophisticated
• worldly-wise

Choose the Right Synonym for worldly

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth.

earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of worldly in a Sentence

She is more worldly than her younger sister.

she returned from her year as an exchange student a much more worldly person

Recent Examples on the Web

In a transfixing performance that balances colorful affectation with raw hunger, the actor makes Lee a magnetic raconteur whose shield of worldly composure falls away as Eugene (Drew Starkey) eludes his grasp, leaving him a virtual ghost by the end of the film. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024

Whereas the Buddhist might accept the captive circumstances of a long flight as an invitation to let go of worldly snares, the rawdogger seeks to overcome them through refusal and its public performance. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024

But the five-star service aboard this sumptuous auberge on wheels, the novelty and literal ride of it, can make even the most worldly travelers feel giddy. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2024

In the hour-long film, Peppa and her family take viewers around the globe to Hollywood, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Barrier Reef, introducing kids to incredible worldly sights while playing games and inviting fan-favorite characters from the TV show to join in the fun. —Megan Vick, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing worldly

• this-worldly
• worldly goods
• worldly-minded
• worldly wise

Kids Definition

worldly

adjective

world·​ly ˈwər(-ə)l-dlē 

ˈwərl-lē

1

: of, relating to, or concerned with the affairs of this world rather than with spiritual affairs

2

: worldly-wise

worldliness noun