fleshly

adjective flesh·ly \ ˈflesh-lē \

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: fleshly in a Sentence

Definition of fleshly

1 a : corporeal, bodily

b : of, relating to, or characterized by indulgence of bodily appetites; especially : lascivious

fleshly desires

c : not spiritual : worldly

2 : fleshy 1a

3 : having a sensuous quality

fleshly art

See fleshly defined for kids

Examples of fleshly in a Sentence

a time of year when people shouldn't focus on fleshly concerns, but instead on spiritual matters
the fleshly eye sees the only finished painting, but the mind's eye sees the genius behind its creation

Recent Examples of fleshly from the Web

Beasley’s lush and sculptures are anchored in fleshly experience.

— cate mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, "At the ICA, Kevin Beasley alchemizes dark histories," 23 May 2018
A bovine nirvana, in other words, where the fleshly mortification of Theravada Buddhism does not apply.

— joseph hincks / hong kong, Time, "This Is How It Feels to Eat 13-Year-Old Steak," 30 Aug. 2017
For two decades, Howard has sworn off liquor, cigarettes, women, and other fleshly temptations.

— matt wolfe, New Republic, "Why did Yousef Muslet face life in prison for an everyday gesture?," 2 Aug. 2017

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

First Known Use of fleshly

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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fleshly Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of fleshly

carnal, fleshly, sensual, animal mean having a relation to the body. carnal may mean only this but more often connotes derogatorily an action or manifestation of a person's lower nature.

- a slave to carnal desires

fleshly is less derogatory than carnal.

- a saint who had experienced fleshly temptations

sensual may apply to any gratification of a bodily desire or pleasure but commonly implies sexual appetite with absence of the spiritual or intellectual.