holiness

1 of 2

noun

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

2

: sanctification sense 2

holiness

2 of 2

adjective

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

Synonyms

Noun

• spirituality
• sanctity
• morality
• godliness
• devotion
• prayerfulness
• saintliness
• devoutness

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

Noun

Groups supporting a candidate for sainthood campaign to publicize their holiness. —Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025

For instance, the fruit’s holiness is signaled in the Pentateuch. —Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025

Mitevska also refuses to sanctify Mother Teresa more than necessary, instead portraying her as a strict disciplinarian who believed in organizational practicality as much as in the inherent holiness of children. —Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025

Following the confession, the priest or bishop proposes an act of penance: a prayer or action by which the penitent might grow in holiness and make amends. —Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for holiness

• lowliness

Kids Definition

holiness

noun

ho·​li·​ness

ˈhō-lē-nəs

1

: the quality or state of being holy

2

capitalized

—used as a title for various high religious officials

His Holiness the Pope