Holy Spirit

American  

[hoh-lee spir-it] / ˈhoʊ li ˈspɪr ɪt /

noun

1. the spirit of God.

   Wind is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

2. the presence of God as part of a person's religious experience.

   I felt the Holy Spirit in the room with me, leading and guiding me in prayer.

3. Also called Holy Ghost.  Christianity. the third person of the Trinity.

   I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Holy Spirit British  

noun

1. Christianity the third person of the Trinity

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Holy Spirit Cultural  

1. In the belief of many Christians (see also Christian), one of the three persons in the one God, along with the Father and the Son (Jesus is the Son); the Holy Spirit is also called the Holy Ghost. Jesus promised the Apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit after his Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Spirit came to the disciples of Jesus on Pentecost.

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Etymology

Origin of Holy Spirit

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

What "Christians still venerate today, in 2026, in the relics of a saint is the presence of the Holy Spirit," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

“The internet was a genuine worship space where the Holy Spirit was present,” Mr. Jin said in a 2024 lecture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

In more Pentecostal-style Christianity, it can mean an awakening to the power of the Holy Spirit and the “gifts” that come with that—speaking in tongues, for example, or faith healing.

From Slate • Oct. 1, 2025

The NAR is a loosely organized but influential charismatic Christian movement that shares similarities with Pentecostalism, especially in its belief that God actively communicates with believers through the Holy Spirit.

From Salon • Jul. 11, 2025

“I believe, Father President, that the Society of the Work of the Holy Spirit knows more about this than I do.”

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman