encyclical

1 of 2

adjective

en·​cyc·​li·​cal in-ˈsi-kli-kəl 

en-

: addressed to all the individuals of a group : general

encyclical

2 of 2

noun

: an encyclical letter

specifically : a papal letter to the bishops of the church as a whole or to those in one country

Examples of encyclical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This brings to mind the encyclical letter Magnifica Humanitas from Pope Leo XIV on AI. — Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

But in the face of a technology that has a dauntingly broad influence, the challenge is to identify regulatory priorities, and here the encyclical scores poorly. — Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026

Noun

Though Rome was not convinced (Columbus had not, to anyone’s knowledge, performed any miracles), in 1892, Pope Leo XIII did issue a special encyclical calling on all clergy in the Americas and in Europe to hold a special Mass each Columbus Day. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Leo has emphasized the need to protect the dignity of all human life, from immigrants to the sick and unborn, most significantly in his inaugural encyclical on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin encyclicus, from Greek enkyklios circular, general, from en in + kyklos circle — more at in, wheel

First Known Use

Adjective

1647, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for encyclical

• countercyclical

Kids Definition

encyclical

noun

en·​cyc·​li·​cal

in-ˈsik-li-kəl, 

en-

: a letter addressed to a whole group

especially : a letter from the pope to the bishops of the church

encyclical adjective