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
world·li·ness
-dlēnə̇s,
-lin-
plural -es
Cite this Entry
“Worldly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worldly. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.
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