worshipful

adjective

wor·​ship·​ful ˈwər-shəp-fəl How to pronounce worshipful (audio)
 also  ˈwȯr-
1
a
archaic : notable, distinguished
b
chiefly British
used as a title for various persons or groups of rank or distinction
2
: giving or expressing worship or veneration
worshipfully
ˈwər-shəp-fə-lē How to pronounce worshipful (audio)
 also  ˈwȯr-
adverb
worshipfulness noun

Examples of worshipful in a Sentence

She was greeted by thousands of worshipful fans. a movie fan's worshipful stare upon finally meeting her idol
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.
Conway, an Irishman like Fennell, rides a motorbike, inspires worshipful devotion in his crew, and can free-dive to extraordinary depths. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 The secret in the biscuits is the pairing of cheddar with bacon, with the overall result being worshipful thanks from those who are lucky enough to partake. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2025 Her chef and housekeeper, Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher), is timid and worshipful but able to take quietly decisive action when necessary. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 In a country given to worshipful talk of Founding Fathers, this is not a new subject on the political stage. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for worshipful

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "deserving honor or respect, of noble character, worthy of veneration," from wurðscip, worschip "honor, esteem, renown, veneration, rank" + -ful -ful entry 1 — more at worship entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of worshipful was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Worshipful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worshipful. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

worshipful

adjective
wor·​ship·​ful ˈwər-shəp-fəl How to pronounce worshipful (audio)
: giving worship

More from Merriam-Webster on worshipful

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