spiritual

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

• hymn
• anthem
• psalm

Examples of spiritual in a Sentence

The congregation sang hymns and spirituals.

sang a spiritual at the funeral

Recent Examples on the Web

Let’s go back to the first century, when Jesus united the physical and the spiritual. —Stephanie McCrummen, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026

Blues developed after the Civil War (1861–65) and was influenced by 19th-century work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, and church music such as spirituals and hymns, as well as the folk and popular music of white Southerners. —René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

Stanley had a songbook full of these, some spirited, some spiritual. —Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026

This vibrant, free afternoon concert will feature a rich selection of beloved American choral favorites, including rousing gospel selections, powerful spirituals, and timeless classics that resonate across generations, a news release stated. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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.