biblical

adjective bib·li·cal \ ˈbi-bli-kəl \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of biblical

1 : of, relating to, or being in accord with the Bible (see bible 1)

a biblical passage

biblical references

2 : suggestive of the Bible or Bible times

his biblical beard

—

biblically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See biblical defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of biblical from the Web

He is known in the art world, the toy space, and in comic book circles for creating Moundverse, an alternative universe where creatures are locked in a classically biblical struggle of good versus evil.

— elizabeth wellington, Philly.com, "This Temple doll exhibit separates dolls by race, and reminds us that we're all the same | Elizabeth Wellington," 16 May 2018
During the campaign, audio from one of Hagee's sermons in the 1990s was leaked that seemed to suggest that Adolf Hitler had been fulfilling God's will by aiding the desire of Jews to return to Israel in accordance with biblical prophecy.

— matt korade, CNN, "Controversial US pastors to take part in embassy opening in Jerusalem," 13 May 2018
Shimkus’ approaches over the years have ranged from biblical rage to statesmanlike diplomacy.

— jeremy dillon, The Seattle Times, "Yucca Mountain crusader wins House vote on nuclear-waste site," 12 May 2018
In person, Bd infestations can look like biblical plagues.

— matthew fisher, National Geographic, "Ground Zero of Amphibian 'Apocalypse' Finally Found," 10 May 2018
Nearby was the cope of Pius IX, the exhibition’s largest and most elaborate vestment, including several scenes based on biblical narratives.

— pamela keogh, Vanities, "“I’m Not Sure Any Bishops Could Fit into Them”: Touring the Met’s Catholic Fashions with Father James Martin," 8 May 2018
Local legends have named the bluff the place where Adam and Eve first met, due to its mirror image of biblical descriptions.

— amy aumick, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Explore Florida's Liberty County: Gorgeous views of the Apalachicola River," 7 May 2018
The holiday commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people and their exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses during biblical times.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Passover seders to be held starting Friday," 28 Mar. 2018
The holiday celebrates the biblical tale in which the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men - Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar - visit baby Jesus after his birth.

— andrea fernandez velazquez, Houston Chronicle, "Legacy of Literacy Day," 24 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'biblical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of biblical

Medieval Latin biblicus, from biblia

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1652

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Bible Terms

antediluvian, apocalyptic, apocrypha, behemoth

BIBLICAL Defined for English Language Learners

biblical

adjective

Definition of biblical for English Language Learners

: relating to, taken from, or found in the Bible

BIBLICAL Defined for Kids

biblical

adjective bib·li·cal \ ˈbi-bli-kəl \

Definition of biblical for Students

: relating to, taken from, or found in the Bible

Learn More about biblical

Spanish Central: Translation of biblical Nglish: Translation of biblical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of biblical for Arabic speakers

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biblical

Definition of biblical

biblically

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biblical

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biblical

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