worshipful

adjective

wor·​ship·​ful ˈwər-shəp-fəl 

 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 

 also  ˈwȯr-

adverb

worshipfulness noun

Synonyms

• adoring
• adulatory
• deifying
• idolizing
• worshipping
• worshiping

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

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

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

Kids Definition

worshipful

adjective

wor·​ship·​ful ˈwər-shəp-fəl 

: giving worship