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episcopal

American  
[ih-pis-kuh-puhl] / ɪˈpɪs kə pəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a bishop.

    episcopal authority.

  2. based on or recognizing a governing order of bishops.

    an episcopal hierarchy.

  3. (initial capital letter) designating the Anglican Church or some branch of it, as the Episcopal Church in America.

noun

  1. (initial capital letter) an Episcopalian.

Episcopal 1 British  
/ ɪˈpɪskəpəl /

adjective

  1. belonging to or denoting the Episcopal Church

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
episcopal 2 British  
/ ɪˈpɪskəpəl /

adjective

  1. of, denoting, governed by, or relating to a bishop or bishops

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of episcopal

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Late Latin word episcopālis. See bishop, -al 1

Vocabulary lists containing episcopal

World Religions

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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.

Wille is rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in the North Side neighborhood of Ravenswood, known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, vibrant arts scene and craft breweries.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Hundreds of people showed up for a midweek vigil at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, where some of the family worships, a few days after Guthrie disappeared.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

The Catholic Church's Episcopal Conference, for its part, called for "respect, non-interference, and the protection of people in their beliefs" and urged politicians to steer clear of "theological" statements.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire went viral for telling clergy to have their affairs in order as they prepare to defend the most vulnerable, at a prayer vigil for Renee Good.

From Slate • Jan. 15, 2026

Aron was confirmed in the Episcopal church and took his place in the choir on Sundays.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

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.