worldly

adjective world·ly \ ˈwər(-ə)ld-lē , ˈwərl-lē \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of worldly

1 : of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to religion or spiritual affairs

2 : worldly-wise

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worldliness

noun

See worldly defined for English-language learners

See worldly defined for kids

Examples of worldly in a Sentence

She is more worldly than her younger sister.
she returned from her year as an exchange student a much more worldly person

Recent Examples of worldly from the Web

Meghan Markle is the woman Prince Harry fell in love with because of her 36 years of worldly existence, not in spite of it.

— refinery29.com, "Why Meghan Markle's Scattered Past Shouldn't Matter," 4 May 2018
The poetry of Heron Bay lies not in its logic and symmetry but in the sensuality of these principles as interpreted in porous, other worldly coral in a tropical setting.

— david netto, Town & Country, "Is Heron Bay in Barbados the Most Exquisite House in the World?," 4 May 2018
Recently, a worldly friend told my wife that some cell-phone carriers offer senior discounts.

— logan jenkins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Seniors, don't discount importance of being curious," 3 May 2018
Kim, who spent part of his younger years at a school in Switzerland, is more worldly than his father, Kim Jong Il, or his grandfather, Kim il Sung, both of whom rarely left North Korea.

— jim michaels, USA TODAY, "How Kim Jong Un shifted from ruthless leader to potential peacemaker," 9 Mar. 2018
The soundtrack for Black Panther was meticulously crafted to match the worldly aesthetic of the movie from the Afrobeat-laden instrumentals to South Korean artist Psy’s brief salute when T’Challa, Nakia, and Okoye traveled to Korea.

— nerisha penrose, Billboard, "The 5 Best Music Moments From 'Black Panther'," 16 Feb. 2018
He will be fondly remembered for living life to the fullest and his worldly travels.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "Deaths in Central Florida: 5/3," 3 May 2018
As Vanessa, a book editor who’s the second in line to get married, Vella Lovell balances wildness with worldly skepticism.

— charles mcnulty, latimes.com, "Say 'I do' to 'Significant Other,' the rare romantic comedy with depth to match the laughs," 13 Apr. 2018
Kerry, the impossibly rich liberal, a beneficiary of the Heinz ketchup fortune thanks to his wife, was a worldly fellow, comfortable on a yacht.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "Retired Justice Stevens puts Democrats on a pin with call to repeal Second Amendment," 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'worldly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of worldly

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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worldly Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of worldly

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth. earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

- abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

- worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

- a mundane discussion of finances

WORLDLY Defined for English Language Learners

worldly

adjective

Definition of worldly for English Language Learners

: of or relating to the human world and ordinary life rather than to religious or spiritual matters
: having a lot of practical experience and knowledge about life and the world