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
often capitalized
: 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
Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
This was the difference between chasing holiness and choosing wholeness.
—Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
True holiness can come from deep friendship.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
For instance, the fruit’s holiness is signaled in the Pentateuch.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
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Noun
Sainthood is the church’s official acknowledgment that someone lived a life of holiness and is in heaven, serving as an example of Christian faith, devotion, and virtue.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
This was the difference between chasing holiness and choosing wholeness.
—Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
True holiness can come from deep friendship.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
For instance, the fruit’s holiness is signaled in the Pentateuch.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
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