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 Pope Francis appointed and removed Bishop Martin Holley in Tennessee's Memphis diocese in 2018 for financial mismanagement, after an apostolic visitation. Peter Weber, The Week, 27 June 2023 Archbishop Shelton Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky, will serve as apostolic administrator of the Knoxville diocese until the pope appoints Stika's replacement. Peter Weber, The Week, 27 June 2023 Such investigations, known as apostolic visitations, are rare, formal examinations of leadership that can be prompted by a wide range of possible offenses, including theological disagreements and financial mismanagement. Ruth Graham, BostonGlobe.com, 28 June 2023 Pope Francis oversaw a Mass in Edmonton, Canada, on Tuesday as part of his apostolic journey. Fox News, 26 July 2022 To say that would be to contradict the apostolic faith of the church. WSJ, 26 July 2022 The first-ever apostolic journey to Moscow is also currently being discussed, should Russian authorities allow the visit. Fox News, 13 July 2022 Andrew Bellisario has served as Juneau bishop since 2017 and as the apostolic administrator in Anchorage since last summer. Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 20 May 2020 Pope John Paul II elevated him to auxiliary bishop in 2001 and made Bishop Lennon apostolic administrator of the archdiocese in December 2002. BostonGlobe.com, 31 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'apostolic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near apostolic

Cite this Entry

“Apostolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostolic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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