apostolate

noun

apos·​to·​late ə-ˈpä-stə-ˌlāt 

-lət

1

: the office or mission of an apostle

2

: an association of persons dedicated to the propagation of a religion or a doctrine

Examples of apostolate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many new apostolates were born from the visit of Pope John Paul II, of Saint John Paul II. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

Lay apostolates are classically American, reflecting the spirit of voluntary association that defines our country. — Tim Busch, National Review, 23 Dec. 2023

Auer was appointed director of the Spanish apostolate soon after returning from Latin America, according to the Archdiocese’s obituary. — Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 2022

The apostolate evolved into the nonprofit Inner City Development, co-directed by Patti and Rod Radle, who were early volunteers there. — Elaine Ayala, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Feb. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin apostolātus, from apostolus apostle + Latin -ātus -ate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for apostolate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate