apostolic

adjective

ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌa-pə-ˈstä-lik How to pronounce apostolic (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to an apostle
b
: of, relating to, or conforming to the teachings of the New Testament apostles
2
a
: of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders
b
: papal
apostolicity noun

Examples of apostolic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2014, he was named apostolic administrator and then bishop of Chiclayo, in northern Peru. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025 Brothers of Pope Leo XIV share their reactions 01:43 In Peru, Leo served as a missionary and taught canon law and was later appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo and later the bishop of Chiclayo. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 9 May 2025 In these words, Peter, asked by the Master, together with the other disciples, about his faith in him, expressed the patrimony that the Church, through the apostolic succession, has preserved, deepened and handed on for two thousand years. Daniel Burke, NPR, 9 May 2025 In 2014, the university awarded Prevost, then the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, an honorary doctor of humanities. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apostolic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English appostolike, borrowed from Late Latin apostolicus, borrowed from Late Greek apostolikós, from Greek apóstolos "messenger, envoy, apostle" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of apostolic was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Apostolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostolic. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

apostolic

adjective
ap·​os·​tol·​ic ˌap-ə-ˈstäl-ik How to pronounce apostolic (audio)
1
: of or relating to an apostle or the apostles
2
: papal
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