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
He did not know at the time, he wrote, that “following these procedures was not effective, and that perpetrators were incapable of being treated in such a way that they could safely pursue priestly ministry.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2024
This 3-week synod, which begins Wednesday, is putting them more or less on an equal playing field to debate agenda items including such hot-button issues as women, LGBTQ+ Catholics and priestly celibacy.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 1, 2023
"Be thankful that I respect your priestly state," he said.
From "Adventures of Don Quixote" by Argentina Palacios
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
