holy water

noun

: water blessed by a priest and used as a purifying sacramental

Examples of holy water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My wife filled several bottles of what’s considered holy water. Eric A. Green, Baltimore Sun, 21 June 2025 The nuns prostrated themselves in prayer, and Father Miguel doused us all in holy water. Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025 Trump praised the Popemobile as his favorite mobile next to Weiner and Bat, but revealed his disdain for holy water. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 During that ceremony, a group of cardinals, Vatican officials, the pope’s secretaries and some other guests will look on as the pope’s face is covered by a white silk veil and sprinkled with holy water. Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for holy water

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holy water was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Holy water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holy%20water. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

holy water

noun
: water blessed by a priest and used to purify

More from Merriam-Webster on holy water

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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