confessional

American  

[kuhn-fesh-uh-nl] / kənˈfɛʃ ə nl /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or based on confession.

   confessional release.

---

noun

1. the place set apart for the hearing of confessions by a priest.

2. French Furniture. a high, upholstered wing chair of the 18th century.

confessional British  

/ kənˈfɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, like, or suited to a confession

---

noun

1. Christianity RC Church a small stall, usually enclosed and divided by a screen or curtain, where a priest hears confessions

2. a book of penitential prayers

Other Word Forms

• pseudoconfessional adjective

Etymology

Origin of confessional

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Medieval Latin confessiōnāle, neuter of confessiōnālis (adjective); confession, -al ¹; confessional defs. 2, 3 from French, from Medieval Latin

Example Sentences

Harriet didn't mince her words when she won the opportunity to speak directly to the traitors, who were hidden away in the church confessional.

From BBC

State television publicized some high-profile corruption cases in a four-part documentary series aired this week, which featured confessional interviews with disgraced officials—including a former agriculture minister and a onetime top banker turned regional leader.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Bryan’s brooding inward focus and hushed vocal phrasing align him more closely with indie-rock and confessional artists from years past, and he finds the country label limiting.

From The Wall Street Journal

On that fateful day in March when he sent Matthiesen that confessional email, Doyle strongly suggested that his disappearing act would be final.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even in an era of confessional pop, Newman stands out.

From BBC