virginal
1 Americannoun
adjective
-
of, relating to, characterized by, proper to, or maintaining a state of virginity; chaste
-
extremely pure or fresh; untouched; undefiled
noun
Other Word Forms
- virginalist noun
- virginally adverb
Etymology
Origin of virginal1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin virginālis, equivalent to virgin- (stem of virgō virgin ) + -ālis -al 1
Origin of virginal2
First recorded in 1520–30; apparently special use of virginal 1
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.
Meister is cognizant of the roles she played herself: She says she was cast because she was a virginal blond, but that going on “Road Rules” helped her evolve politically.
From Los Angeles Times
Sister Megan is a virginal bride of Christ, and a journalist with a morbid fascination with serial killers and crime scenes.
From Salon
Instead, “People getting ready to do things” is spelled out in egg yolk, besmirching the virginal purity of its white satin support; and “It’s only vanishing cream” is translucent shellac disappearing against deathly black.
From Los Angeles Times
Before Roberts, the romance genre was dominated by tepid and virginal women who were overpowered by brooding men.
From New York Times
Playing a virginal high-school valedictorian in “Crossroads” put Spears off acting.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
