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
Each paragraph passed with the necessary two-thirds majority, but the ones involving women and priestly celibacy obtained the most “no” votes.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 28, 2023
He looked up and, out of priestly habit, smiled benignantly at Milton, his white teeth appearing in the great bush of black beard.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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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.
