Nicene

American  

[nahy-seen, nahy-seen] / naɪˈsin, ˈnaɪ sin /

adjective

1. of or relating to Nicaea.

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Nicene British  

/ ˈnaɪsiːn, naɪˈsiːən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Nicaea, an ancient city in NW Asia Minor, or its inhabitants

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Other Word Forms

• non-Nicene adjective

Etymology

Origin of Nicene

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin Nīcēnus, variant of Nīcaenus < Greek Nīkaîos ( Nī́kai ( a ) Nicaea + -os adj. suffix), with -n- from Latin adj. suffix -ānus -an

Example Sentences

The bishop and Church historian Eusebius, who took part, wrote that the church was tightly packed, and that discussions later moved to an imperial palace, where the Nicene Creed was drafted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

In 325 AD, among other key decisions, more than 200 bishops at the council affirmed the belief that Jesus was the son of God, eventually leading to what is known as the Nicene Creed.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

They adopted the Nicene Creed, a statement of dogma that declared Jesus was “begotten, not made” and was “consubstantial” with God, expressly embracing his divinity.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Group members affirm the Nicene Creed, a Christian statement of belief recited weekly in Catholic and many Protestant churches.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2020

Another eminent witness for Θεός, whom also you do not condescend to notice, is Epiphanius, deacon of Catana in Sicily,—who represented Thomas, Abp. of Sardinia, at the 2nd Nicene Council, a.d.

From The Revision Revised by Burgon, John William