biblical

adjective

bib·​li·​cal ˈbi-bli-kəl How to pronounce biblical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being in accord with the Bible (see bible sense 1)
a biblical passage
biblical references
2
: suggestive of the Bible or Bible times
his biblical beard
biblically adverb

Examples of biblical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The summit, which began on Thursday, is the key event of a conservative women's organization that focuses on bringing biblical principles into every level of public policy. Misty Severi, Washington Examiner, 15 Sep. 2023 Israel considers the West Bank the biblical heartland of the Jewish people. Isabel Debre, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2023 Their final lesson may be almost biblical — stone to stone, dust to dust — which is the illusory nature of all things, institutions included. Roberta Smith, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023 Fain, a fiery leader who won the UAW presidency in the union’s first direct election this spring, peppered his address with biblical references and barbs against billionaires. Jeanne Whalen, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2023 On loan from the Israeli Antiquities Authority, the exhibits include pottery, ceramics, and tools, as well as a life-size recreation of a biblical village. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2023 Sony, TriStar and Legendary Pictures have released the first trailer for the upcoming biblical epic The Book of Clarence. Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Aug. 2023 Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, feels more like an ancient method of biblical punishment than a modern medical concern. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2023 Some have compared Barbie's journey as echoing the biblical Garden of Eden story. David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biblical.' 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

Medieval Latin biblicus, from biblia

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biblical was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near biblical

Cite this Entry

“Biblical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biblical. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

biblical

adjective
bib·​li·​cal ˈbib-li-kəl How to pronounce biblical (audio)
: relating to, taken from, or found in the Bible
biblically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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