vestal

adjective

Save Word

ves·tal | \ ˈve-stᵊl

Definition of vestal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta

2a : of or relating to a vestal virgin

b : chaste

vestal

noun

Definition of vestal (Entry 2 of 2)

: vestal virgin

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing vestal Learn More About vestal

Examples of vestal in a Sentence

Adjective a schoolteacher who dresses with almost vestal modesty while on the job

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame. — Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun With ritual precision, the vestals awaken their miserable charges each dawn and roll them about on their beds of pain while performing ablutions, in the formal movements of which the maidens are highly trained. — Gabriel Winant, The New Republic, 23 May 2018 Vestals Gap Dr., 42905-Bernhard W. and Brunhild Vater to Patrick J. and Shana Benton Maines, $674,900. — Washington Post, 26 July 2017 Vestal said erosion and canals that cut through the property made access to the site difficult, and winds helped spread flames through the dry grass. — Cathy Locke, sacbee.com, 3 July 2017

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