adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of priestly
before 1000; Middle English prestli, Old English prēostlic. See priest, -ly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The only region in the world where priestly vocations are growing is Africa.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
The text also sheds light on women's roles in Babylon, including priestly duties that were previously undocumented.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 11, 2025
“This one’s special. Our nation’s leader is honoring our Pops, our father, and I don’t say father in a priestly way,” Verdugo said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2024
Those years have been “detrimental to priestly fraternity and even to our personal well-being,” the letter states.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 27, 2023
“He was really worried when you were sick. He talked about you so much. And, amam, it wasn’t just priestly concern.”
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
