spirituality
Americannoun
-
the quality or fact of being spiritual.
Life in modern society is all work and no spirituality.
-
incorporeal or immaterial nature.
-
predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.
-
Often spiritualities. property or revenue of the church or of an ecclesiastic in their official capacity.
noun
-
the state or quality of being dedicated to God, religion, or spiritual things or values, esp as contrasted with material or temporal ones
-
the condition or quality of being spiritual
-
a distinctive approach to religion or prayer
the spirituality of the desert Fathers
-
(often plural) Church property or revenue or a Church benefice
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of spirituality
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Medieval Latin spīrituālitās; see spiritual, -ity
Explanation
Spirituality has to do with the spirit, not as in ghosts, but as in the essence of being human — your soul or your inner life. Spirituality often has to do with religion, but it doesn't have to. You might say, "I'm not religious; but I have a strong sense of spirituality," which might mean that you practice yoga or meditation, or you pray with a group, or you nurture your spirit by spending time in nature. Religions usually have defined beliefs, rituals, and guidelines; spirituality is more individual.
Vocabulary lists containing spirituality
Selection Vocabulary 3, Unit 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Eid Al-Fitr
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
All Saints' Day
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
It wasn’t until I got to the emergency room set that I was like, “Oh, this whole period ... ” — the spirituality of that.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Remski said he sees connections between the kind of New Age spirituality pioneered by Chopra and other developments in society, economics and politics that have enabled a hyper-individualist culture.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
Another key part of Andreescu's reinvention has been to continue to focus on interests away from the sport, including charity work, writing a children's book, releasing music and spirituality.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
It was a moment of rapid growth for Christianity, as more people sought spirituality to balance their lives amid the country’s economic boom.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
The experience made a profound impression on him that led him to think twice about the difference between spirituality and religion, between faith and the institutions that deliver its message.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
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.
