churchy

American  

[chur-chee] / ˈtʃɜr tʃi /

adjective

churchier, churchiest

1. adhering strictly to the prescribed form in ecclesiastical matters.

2. intolerant of dissent in one's religion.

3. of, characteristic of, or suggestive of a church.

   The stained-glass windows gave the room a churchy look.

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churchy British  

/ ˈtʃɜːtʃɪ /

adjective

1. like a church, church service, etc

2. excessively religious

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Other Word Forms

• churchiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of churchy

First recorded in 1835–45; church + -y ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

churchy churchier churchiest

“Expensive, elevated and fresh. It’s not churchy, which is my biggest issue with incense.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026

Phil at Coachella, where she performed a churchy rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2025

That is why NAR apostles and prophets sometimes stay on the down-low — by foregoing churchy garb and open use of their titles, for instance.

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2023

But in both songs, the music swells behind him, with churchy organ and robust major chords, pealing guitar and gospelly choir harmonies.

From New York Times ● Feb. 28, 2023

I am suddenly self-conscious in my prim blouse and modest skirt, my sensible shoes and churchy earrings.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

In retrospect, in the churchier precincts of the memory, the election of 1960 has, for some, a numinous glow.

From Time Magazine Archive

By Ruth GrahamPosted Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at 9:05 AM ET New England used to be one of the churchiest places in America.

From Slate ● Nov. 27, 2012

They are, as one may say, the churchiest churches in Europe—the fullest of gathered memories, of the experience of their office.

From Italian Hours by James, Henry

She isn't rich, either, but poor as the churchiest mouse!

From Secret History Revealed By Lady Peggy O'Malley by Rowe, Clarence H. (Clarence Herbert)