established church

noun

: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation or state and supported by civil authority

Examples of established church in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Experts on the Catholic Church emphasized that Leo’s opposition to the war reflects established church teachings, not the reflexive politics of the moment. ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 Author Tony Ortega, who chronicles Scientology at his website The Underground Bunker, explains that this is established church protocol in action. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of established church was in 1575

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Cite this Entry

“Established church.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/established%20church. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

established church

noun
: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation

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