1
: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood : sacerdotal
2
: characteristic of or befitting a priest
priestliness
noun
Examples of priestly in a Sentence
He is a kind, priestly man.
majestically robed in priestly garments
Recent Examples on the Web
Lopez’s thoughts turned to those who may have strayed from the faith, the priestly role in bringing them back and the importance of Christmas in perhaps sparking that return.
—
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
Full priestly duties June through October, combined with driving up and down the mountain, had been a stretch.
—CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The names were common, but for good reason, as the Hasmonean priestly family was so revered.
—Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Archbishop Shawn McKnight has launched a preliminary canonical investigation into the issue as well, the archdiocese said, and Storey has been temporarily suspended from priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priestly
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Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
Full priestly duties June through October, combined with driving up and down the mountain, had been a stretch.
—CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The names were common, but for good reason, as the Hasmonean priestly family was so revered.
—Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Archbishop Shawn McKnight has launched a preliminary canonical investigation into the issue as well, the archdiocese said, and Storey has been temporarily suspended from priestly ministry, including celebrating Mass and performing pastoral duties.
—Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priestly
Cite this Entry
“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priestly. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
priestly
adjective
priest·ly
ˈprēst-lē 
priestlier; priestliest
1
: of or relating to a priest or the priesthood
2
: characteristic of or suitable for a priest
priestliness
noun
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