holy water

noun

: water blessed by a priest and used as a purifying sacramental

Examples of holy water in a Sentence

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.
The Orthodox Christian service included a holy water cleansing ritual for chronic illnesses, per the BBC. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 Mary Monastery, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered for a holy water cleansing ritual that is popular among people seeking spiritual healing for chronic illnesses. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Midway through the service, the bishop blessed the shrine grounds with holy water. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Every iconic sports town has its holy water. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for holy water

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holy water was before the 12th century

Rhymes for holy water

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Browse Nearby Words

holy war
holy water
holy-water sprinkler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holy water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holy%20water. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

holy water

noun
: water blessed by a priest and used to purify

More from Merriam-Webster on holy water

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holy water

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