Immaculate Conception

American  

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. the dogma of the unique privilege by which the Virgin Mary was conceived in her mother's womb without the stain of original sin through the anticipated merits of Jesus Christ.

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Immaculate Conception British  

noun

1. Christian theol RC Church the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of original sin

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Immaculate Conception Cultural  

1. A doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. It states that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin (see also original sin).

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Etymology

Origin of Immaculate Conception

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

This week, he became the first president to formally recognize the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Catholic holy day celebrating Mary, the mother of Jesus.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Many feel that the low building heights, with the exception of the National Cathedral and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, give the city a unique charm.

From Washington Times • May 10, 2023

Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Dan and Christine McKane on Monday at 12:00 BST in The Church of The Immaculate Conception, with interment afterwards in Strabane Cemetery.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2023

Mr. Piro attended Seton Hall University from 1968 to 1972, the last two years at the university’s Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, but he did not earn a degree.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2023

During the sermon, the priest discussed the miracle of Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls