apostolic

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌa-pə-ˈstä-lik How to pronounce apostolic (audio)
Synonyms of apostolicnext
1
a
: of or relating to an apostle
b
: of, relating to, or conforming to the teachings of the New Testament apostles
2
a
: of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders
b
: papal
apostolicity
ə-ˌpä-stə-ˈli-sə-tē How to pronounce apostolic (audio)
noun

apostolicity

2 of 2

noun

apos·​to·​lic·​i·​ty ə-ˌpä-stə-ˈli-sə-tē sometimes ˌa-pə- How to pronounce apostolicity (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or character of being apostolic

Examples of apostolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Kast and his wife are part of Schoenstatt, a Catholic apostolic movement devoted to the Virgin Mary. — ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 Like his apostolic namesake, Thomas believes unquestioningly in the evidence of his senses. — Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026 Until then, Vigneron will serve as apostolic administrator for the Detroit archdiocese. — Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 11 Feb. 2025 Pope Leo at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa on Monday, the second day of his apostolic visit to Lebanon. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apostolic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English appostolike, borrowed from Late Latin apostolicus, borrowed from Late Greek apostolikós, from Greek apóstolos "messenger, envoy, apostle" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apostolic was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing apostolic

Rhymes for apostolic

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apostolic
apostolic church
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Cite this Entry

“Apostolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostolic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

apostolic

adjective
ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌap-ə-ˈstäl-ik How to pronounce apostolic (audio)
1
: of or relating to an apostle or the apostles
2
: papal
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