congregational

American  

[kong-gri-gey-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

• congregationally adverb
• non-Congregational adjective
• uncongregational adjective

Etymology

Origin of congregational

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

Example Sentences

"Each church body has its own safeguarding personnel employed who assist and advise the bishop or congregational leader on responding to survivors on an individual basis," they said.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

On Friday, thousands of Muslims in several parts in the region offered special congregational prayers seeking God’s intervention in ending the dry spell.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

“We’ve said that feels punitive,” he said of the demand, noting that conference Bishop Latrelle Easterling was part of a national team that worked out the rules for congregational departures.

From Washington Times • Aug. 30, 2023

But Southern Baptists have also historically revered the principle of congregational autonomy, seeing their denomination as an association bound together by cooperation rather than by hierarchies and creeds.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

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