ecumenical

[ ek-yoo-men-i-kuhlor, especially British, ee-kyoo- ]

adjective

1. general; universal.
2. pertaining to the whole Christian church.
3. promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world.
4. of or relating to a movement ecumenical movement, especially among Protestant groups since the 1800s, aimed at achieving universal Christian unity and church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.
5. interreligious or interdenominational:

   an ecumenical marriage.

6. including or containing a mixture of diverse elements or styles; mixed:

   an ecumenical meal of German, Italian, and Chinese dishes.

ecumenical

/ ˌɛk-; ˌiːkjʊˈmɛnɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Christian Church throughout the world, esp with regard to its unity
2. 1. tending to promote unity among Churches
   2. of or relating to the international movement initiated among non-Catholic Churches in 1910 aimed at Christian unity: embodied, since 1937, in the World Council of Churches
3. rare.
   universal; general; worldwide

Derived Forms

• ˌecuˈmenically, adverb

Other Words From

• ecu·meni·cal·ly adverb
• nonec·u·menic adjective
• nonec·u·meni·cal adjective
• nonoec·u·menic adjective
• unoec·u·menic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

1835–45; < Late Latin oecumenicus belonging to the whole inhabited world (< Greek oikoumenikós, equivalent to oikoumen- (stem of passive present participle of oikeîn to inhabit) + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecumenical¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek oikoumenikos, from oikein to inhabit, from oikos house

Example Sentences

He recommends the ecumenical approach: “It’s great to go try all of them — see what fits what you like.”

From Seattle Times

Yet this new, pious tale, assembled around the ecumenical theme of perseverance, almost makes one nostalgic for the frisson of provocation.

From New York Times

The “Jesus, he gets us” campaign, which debuted last year, returned with a pair of ecumenical, elegant, photo-based spots on a theme of loving one’s neighbor, which is to say, anybody.

From Los Angeles Times

Other Kildare locations are hosting music, ecumenical worship and other activities.

From Seattle Times

Anglicans in the West Bank accused him of prioritising "domestic British ecumenical and political considerations" over recognition of Palestinian rights.

From BBC

Related Words

• comprehensive