priestly

1 of 2

adjective

priest·​ly ˈprēst-lē 

1

: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood : sacerdotal

2

: characteristic of or befitting a priest

priestliness noun

priestliness

2 of 2

noun

priest·​li·​ness

ˈprēs(t)lēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the professional quality or manner of a priest : priestly characteristics

Synonyms of priestly

Adjective

• ministerial
• pastoral
• clerical

Examples of priestly in a Sentence

Adjective

He is a kind, priestly man.

majestically robed in priestly garments

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are nearly 23,000 active Catholic parishes — but new priestly ordinations haven't started to bounce back. —ABC News, 1 June 2026

In a set of photos that's sweeping the internet, Pope Leo was well and truly seen in a pair of Nike sneakers, paired with his traditional, priestly robes. —Chiara Da Col, Vanity Fair, 9 May 2026

On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall -- normally attended by tens of thousands -- was limited to just 50 people. —Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026

On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands — was limited to 50 people. —Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

priestly + -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1681, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

priestly

adjective

priest·​ly ˈprēst-lē 

priestlier; priestliest

1

: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood

2

: characteristic of or suitable for a priest

priestliness noun