virginal
1 Americannoun
adjective
-
of, relating to, characterized by, proper to, or maintaining a state of virginity; chaste
-
extremely pure or fresh; untouched; undefiled
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of virginal1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin virginālis, equivalent to virgin- (stem of virgō virgin ) + -ālis -al 1
Origin of virginal2
First recorded in 1520–30; apparently special use of virginal 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sister Megan is a virginal bride of Christ, and a journalist with a morbid fascination with serial killers and crime scenes.
From Salon • Oct. 4, 2024
Set in Rome in 1971 just before the events of the first movie, “The First Omen’s” central figure is Margaret Daino, a dewy, virginal American novitiate played by Nell Tiger Free.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2024
While as a piece of sculpture, the first Barbie doll was virtually indistinguishable from the Lilli doll, Handler positioned Barbie as a wholesome, virginal, all-American girl next door.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2023
“We can see the virginal expectancy — the purity — that has turned into puffy-eyed self-righteousness,” Ms. Kael wrote.
From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2022
In desperation I summoned up the last image I had of her, outlined against the satin pleats in her virginal coffin, with her bride’s blossoms in her hair and a rosary in her hands.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
