Immaculate Conception

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. the dogma of the unique privilege by which the Virgin Mary was conceived in her mother's womb without the stain of original sin through the anticipated merits of Jesus Christ.

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Immaculate Conception British  

noun

1. Christian theol RC Church the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of original sin

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Immaculate Conception Cultural  

1. A doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. It states that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin (see also original sin).

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Etymology

Origin of Immaculate Conception

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

This week, he became the first president to formally recognize the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holy day celebrating Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

A prayer service also took place on Sunday evening at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, County Clare.

From BBC • Jul. 28, 2025

His visit came one year to the day before Notre-Dame is scheduled to reopen, on Dec. 8, 2024, when Catholics will celebrate the Immaculate Conception.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2023

Many feel that the low building heights, with the exception of the National Cathedral and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, give the city a unique charm.

From Washington Times • May 10, 2023

During the sermon, the priest discussed the miracle of Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls