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apostolic

American  
[ap-uh-stol-ik] / ˌæp əˈstɒl ɪk /
Also apostolical

adjective

  1. of or characteristic of an apostle.

  2. pertaining to or characteristic of the 12 apostles.

  3. derived from the apostles in regular succession.

  4. of or relating to the pope; papal.


apostolic British  
/ ˌæpəˈstɒlɪk /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, deriving from, or contemporary with the Apostles

  2. of or relating to the teachings or practice of the Apostles

  3. of or relating to the pope regarded as chief successor of the Apostles

"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 apostolic

First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin apostolicus, from Greek apostolikós, from apóstol(os) apostle + -ikos -ic

Vocabulary lists containing apostolic

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.

Indeed, this comes amid a noticeable rift in the movement, after 92 apostolic leaders issued a statement in April 2021 aimed at establishing “prophetic standards.”

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

A diocese statement said the case was put last week before an apostolic tribunal in Spain.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

Francis praised her on Sunday as a “model of apostolic fervor and audacity for us,” and he urged his listeners to overcome prejudice and fear and be close to the poor.

From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024

It’s a movement that has, as its core idea, apostolic governance.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2024

This makes all the clauses of the apostolic blessing intelligible and living.

From Letters to the Clergy On The Lord's Prayer and the Church by Ruskin, John

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