ecclesiastical

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adjective ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal \ i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-kəl , e-ˌklē- \

Definition of ecclesiastical

1 :of or relating to a church especially as an established institution

2 :suitable for use in a church

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ecclesiastically

play \i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-k(ə-)lē, e-ˌklē-\ adverb

See ecclesiastical defined for English-language learners

See ecclesiastical defined for kids

Examples of ecclesiastical in a Sentence

ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries

Recent Examples of ecclesiastical from the Web

The Supreme Court released its ruling on Thursday, noting that the lower court had no authority to interfere in the church's ecclesiastical matters, and overturning the firing of Pastor Taylor.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Pastor of 16-member church that split in half takes firing to Supreme Court," 28 July 2017
That sign is a particular version of an ecclesiastical hat that was worn in processions as late as 1870.

— karen farkas, cleveland.com, "Bishop Nelson J. Perez's shield includes personal and professional touches," 11 July 2017
The congregation filed an ecclesiastical complaint not long after its eviction.

— hillary davis, Daily Pilot, "Bishop loses appeal of order not to sell Newport church," 10 July 2017
The congregation filed an ecclesiastical complaint not long after its eviction.

— hillary davis, latimes.com, "Episcopal bishop still can't sell Newport Beach property, board rules," 10 July 2017
Ghost, a Swedish band also known as Ghost B.C. in the U.S., has a kind of anti-pope figure fronting the band and a gang of masked ghouls in demonic ecclesiastical robes backing him.

— john adamian, courant.com, "Ghost At College Street Music Hall," 5 July 2017
There are unique examples of medieval Slavic ecclesiastical architecture, and one of the oldest churches in Ukraine -- the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was completed in the 11th century and features stunning frescoes and ancient interiors.

— pavlo fedykovych, CNN, "Ukraine: 11 best places to visit," 9 May 2017
Also in the crowd were former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart and David Miscavige, Scientology’s polarizing ecclesiastical leader, who has been accused of using physical violence against some of the church’s members.

— rene rodriguez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Church of Scientology opens massive new center in Miami's Coconut Grove," 2 May 2017
Also in the crowd were former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Díaz-Balart and David Miscavige, Scientology’s polarizing ecclesiastical leader, who has been accused of using physical violence against some of the church’s members.

— rene rodriguez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Church of Scientology opens massive new center in Miami's Coconut Grove," 2 May 2017

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