encyclical

[ en-sik-li-kuhl, -sahy-kli- ]

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. a letter addressed by the pope to all the bishops of the church.

adjective

1. (of a letter) intended for wide or general circulation; general.

encyclical

/ ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl /

noun

1. a letter sent by the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world

adjective

1. (of letters) intended for general or wide circulation

encyclical

1. A letter from the pope to the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church , in which he lays down policy on religious, moral, or political issues.

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyclical¹

1610–20; < Late Latin encyclicus (< Greek enkýklios, with -icus -ic for -ios, equivalent to en- en- ² + kýkl ( os ) circle, cycle + -ios adj. suffix) + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyclical¹

C17: from Late Latin encyclicus, from Greek enkuklios general, from kuklos circle

Example Sentences

A prime example of this approach is Pope Francis’ groundbreaking 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, where he writes about the care for our common home by our common family.

From Time

In 1864 Pius IX issued his famous encyclical, in which he boldly condemned the "pernicious" doctrine of the rights of man.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten years subsequently he put forth the celebrated Encyclical Letter and the Syllabus.

From Project Gutenberg

We refer to the reply to the noble and paternal encyclical of Pius IX.

From Project Gutenberg

When the question is asked, therefore, Why there are (not one only but) several encyclical bodies?

From Project Gutenberg