spiritual

1 of 2

adjective

spir·​i·​tu·​al ˈspir-i-chə-wəl 

-i-chəl, 

-ich-wəl

1

: of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit : incorporeal

spiritual needs

2

a

: of or relating to sacred matters

spiritual songs

b

: ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal

spiritual authority

lords spiritual

3

: concerned with religious values

4

: related or joined in spirit

our spiritual home

his spiritual heir

5

a

: of or relating to supernatural beings or phenomena

b

: of, relating to, or involving spiritualism : spiritualistic

spiritually adverb

spiritualness noun

spiritual

2 of 2

noun

1

spirituals plural : things of a spiritual, ecclesiastical, or religious nature

2

: a religious song usually of a deeply emotional character that was developed especially among Black people in the southern U.S.

3

Spiritual : any of a party of 13th and 14th century Franciscans advocating strict observance of a rule of poverty for their order

Synonyms of spiritual

Adjective

• metaphysical
• psychic
• supernatural
• incorporeal
• nonphysical
• invisible

Noun

• hymn
• anthem
• psalm

Examples of spiritual in a Sentence

Adjective

Doctors must consider the emotional and spiritual needs of their patients.

I regularly consult our pastor about spiritual matters.

The Romantic composers saw Beethoven as a spiritual ancestor.

France will always be the spiritual home of wine lovers.

Noun

The congregation sang hymns and spirituals.

sang a spiritual at the funeral

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For Cheogyal, now, leaving his restricted homeland for Dharamsala has been like stepping into a new world where his culture – and celebration of its spiritual leader – are all around him. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

Adding something fun to your at-home altar like an incense holder, a statue of Venus/Aphrodite, or evil eye decor to stay grounded within yourself and embrace your spiritual side this month. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

Over his career, Sykes performed in venues around the world and across genres — opera, gospel, spirituals, show tunes, folk and pop — working with figures including Renée Fleming, Terence Blanchard, Carlos Santana, Julie Andrews and Brian Wilson. — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

The historic church was recently destroyed by fire, but just like these spirituals, melodies of strength are unwavering and inspiring. — Ukee Washington, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French espirital, spiritual, from Late Latin spiritualis, from Latin, of breathing, of wind, from spiritus

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spiritual

• spiritual bouquet

Kids Definition

spiritual

1 of 2 adjective

spir·​i·​tu·​al ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wəl 

-ich-əl

1

: of, relating to, or consisting of spirit : not bodily or material

2

: of or relating to sacred or religious matters

3

: related or joined in spirit

our spiritual home

spirituality

ˌspir-ich-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē

noun

spiritually

ˈspir-ich-(ə-)wəl-ē, 

-ich-əl-ē

adverb

spiritualness noun

spiritual

2 of 2 noun

: a religious song usually of a very emotional character that was developed especially among Black people in the southern U.S.