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.
Instead, “People getting ready to do things” is spelled out in egg yolk, besmirching the virginal purity of its white satin support; and “It’s only vanishing cream” is translucent shellac disappearing against deathly black.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 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
As the documentary "Framing Britney Spears" shows, the pop star began her career forced to live up to a virginal "good girl" persona.
From Salon • Sep. 11, 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.
