spirituality

American  

[spir-i-choo-al-i-tee] / ˌspɪr ɪ tʃuˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

spiritualities plural

1. the quality or fact of being spiritual.

   Life in modern society is all work and no spirituality.

2. incorporeal or immaterial nature.

3. predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.

4. Often spiritualities. property or revenue of the church or of an ecclesiastic in their official capacity.

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spirituality British  

/ ˌspɪrɪtjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being dedicated to God, religion, or spiritual things or values, esp as contrasted with material or temporal ones

2. the condition or quality of being spiritual

3. a distinctive approach to religion or prayer

   the spirituality of the desert Fathers

4. (often plural) Church property or revenue or a Church benefice

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• superspirituality
  noun
• unspirituality
  noun
• nonspirituality
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• spiritualities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of spirituality

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Medieval Latin spīrituālitās; see spiritual, -ity

Explanation

Spirituality has to do with the spirit, not as in ghosts, but as in the essence of being human — your soul or your inner life. Spirituality often has to do with religion, but it doesn't have to. You might say, "I'm not religious; but I have a strong sense of spirituality," which might mean that you practice yoga or meditation, or you pray with a group, or you nurture your spirit by spending time in nature. Religions usually have defined beliefs, rituals, and guidelines; spirituality is more individual.

Example Sentences

In our own journeys as queer individuals of faith, we have been questioned and criticized for our sexuality, our spirituality and our challenging of traditional Christian norms.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026

Another key part of Andreescu's reinvention has been to continue to focus on interests away from the sport, including charity work, writing a children's book, releasing music and spirituality.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Saar’s style can best be described as some combination of surreal and grounded — infused with the spirituality that has lived at the core of her work since the ’60s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

A spirituality informed by pragmatism, so familiar to readers of Niebuhr, led him to devise the Christian realism that underpinned his vision of American global leadership.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

The art of commemorative regeneration is strong here, a thrilling collision of artistry and spirituality.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older