ho·li·ness
ˈhō-lē-nəs 
1
: the quality or state of being holy
—used as a title for various high religious dignitaries
His Holiness the Pope
variants
often Holiness
: emphasizing the doctrine of the second blessing
specifically
: of or relating to a perfectionist movement arising in U.S. Protestantism in the late 19th century
Examples of holiness in a Sentence
Noun
the holiness of this sacred place
known throughout the world for his holiness, the prophet was visited daily by hundreds of pilgrims
Recent Examples on the Web
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
In moments of loss, Jewish tradition seeks to wrap families in care, reminding us that even in goodbye, there can be meaning, holiness, and peace.
—Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
For millions of people, for more than 2,000 years, the advent has represented an opportunity to reflect, to anticipate—to make holiness out of the spiritual equivalent of standing in line, to sit in stillness during the year’s darkest time and know the light is coming.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 18 Nov. 2025
Here, and in the show’s finale, Lipton nails a very Wilderean combination of bluntness, holiness, and dry humor.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
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Noun
Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
In moments of loss, Jewish tradition seeks to wrap families in care, reminding us that even in goodbye, there can be meaning, holiness, and peace.
—Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
For millions of people, for more than 2,000 years, the advent has represented an opportunity to reflect, to anticipate—to make holiness out of the spiritual equivalent of standing in line, to sit in stillness during the year’s darkest time and know the light is coming.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 18 Nov. 2025
Here, and in the show’s finale, Lipton nails a very Wilderean combination of bluntness, holiness, and dry humor.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holiness
Cite this Entry
“Holiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holiness. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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