holyadjective
uk/ˈhəʊ.li/us/ˈhoʊ.li/holy adjective (RELIGIOUS)
C1 related to a religion or a god:
holy scriptures/rites
very religious or pure:
a holy person
More examples
- He was regarded as a righteous and holy man.
- She believes that the union of man and woman in holy matrimony is for ever.
- The soldiers deliberately defiled all the holy places.
- He doesn't believe in the holy estate of marriage.
- The area is a holy site for many Muslims.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Religious concepts: holiness
- blessed
- bread
- hallowed
- holiness
- impious
- martyrdom
- messianic
- otherworldly
- pagan
- patron saint
- piety
- profane
- profanity
- sacred
- sacrilege
- sainted
- sanctity
- spiritual
- spirituality
- the Sabbath
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holy adjective (FOR EMPHASIS)
holy cow/mackerel/smoke! also offensive holy shit mainly US informal
used to show that you think something is surprising, shocking, or impressive:
Holy cow! How did you get that black eye?