priestly

1 of 2

adjective

priest·​ly ˈprēst-lē How to pronounce priestly (audio)
Synonyms of priestlynext
1
: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood : sacerdotal
2
: characteristic of or befitting a priest
priestliness noun

priestliness

2 of 2

noun

priest·​li·​ness
ˈprēs(t)lēnə̇s, 
-lin-
plural -es
: the professional quality or manner of a priest : priestly characteristics

Synonyms of priestly

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Adjective

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Examples of priestly in a Sentence

Adjective He is a kind, priestly man. majestically robed in priestly garments
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
Parsi priesthood is hereditary, meaning all the boys here have been born into priestly families. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 The sentiment feels strangely heavy-handed, conveyed through priestly monologues, Biblical parallels, and goblin-like snarls that pop up across the board. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 28 May 2026 That religious significance helps explain the presence of so many priestly and temple-related inscriptions among the fragments. — Ryan Brennan april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 There are nearly 23,000 active Catholic parishes — but new priestly ordinations haven't started to bounce back. — ABC News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Word History

Etymology

Noun

priestly + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of priestly was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

priestling
priestly
priestly blessing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priestly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

priestly

adjective
priest·​ly ˈprēst-lē How to pronounce priestly (audio)
priestlier; priestliest
1
: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood
2
: characteristic of or suitable for a priest
priestliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on priestly

Nglish: Translation of priestly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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