congregational

American  

[kong-gri-gay-shuh-nl] / ˌkɒŋ grɪˈgeɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a congregation.

   congregational singing.

2. (initial capital letter) pertaining or adhering to a form of Protestant church government in which each local church acts as an independent, self-governing body, while maintaining fellowship with like congregations.

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congregational British  

/ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a congregation

2. (usually capital) of, relating to, or denoting the Congregational Church, its members, or its beliefs

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Other Word Forms

• non-Congregational
  adjective
• uncongregational
  adjective
• congregationally
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of congregational

First recorded in 1570–80; congregation + -al ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

congregational

The connection is certain, and the pairing of congregational decline with theological fading seems to have opened the door to a new youth-driven demand for orthodoxy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

The month of fasting usually last about 30 days and concludes with the festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which is a time of family celebrations following congregational prayers.

From BBC ● Mar. 1, 2025

Eid is marked with congregational prayers and festivities that typically include family visits, gatherings and new clothes.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 5, 2024

That devotion connected her to the earliest traditions of organized American music-making , the congregational singing in colonial churches that was served by the country’s first composers.

From New York Times ● Jan. 10, 2024

Perhaps this perked up congregational interest, but we Price girls all listened with half an ear between us.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

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