1
: of or relating to a person's spirit
Doctors must consider the emotional and spiritual needs of their patients.
I'm working on my spiritual growth/development. [=the growth of my mind and spirit]
2
: of or relating to religion or religious beliefs
I regularly consult our pastor about spiritual matters.
an influential spiritual leader
3
: having similar values and ideas : related or joined in spirit
The Romantic composers saw Beethoven as a spiritual ancestor.
France will always be the spiritual home of wine lovers.
plural spirituals
: a religious folk song that was sung originally by African-Americans in the southern U.S.
The congregation sang hymns and spirituals.
Cite this Entry
“Spiritual.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spiritual. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
