virginal

¹

[ vur-juh-nl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or befitting a virgin:

   virginal purity.

2. continuing in a state of virginity.
3. pure; unsullied; untouched:

   a virginal mountain stream.

4. Zoology. not fertilized.

virginal

²

[ vur-juh-nl ]

noun

1. Often virginals. a rectangular harpsichord with the strings stretched parallel to the keyboard, the earlier types placed on a table: popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.

virginal

¹

/ ˈvɜːdʒɪnəl /

noun

1. often plural a smaller version of the harpsichord, but oblong in shape, having one manual and no pedals

virginal

²

/ ˈvɜːdʒɪnəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characterized by, proper to, or maintaining a state of virginity; chaste
2. extremely pure or fresh; untouched; undefiled

Derived Forms

• ˈvirginalist, noun
• ˈvirginally, adverb

Other Words From

• virgin·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of virginal¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin virginālis, equivalent to virgin- (stem of virgō virgin ) + -ālis -al ¹

Origin of virginal²

First recorded in 1520–30; apparently special use of virginal ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of virginal¹

C16: probably from Latin virginālis virginal ¹, perhaps because it was played largely by young ladies

Origin of virginal²

C15: from Latin virginālis maidenly, from virgō virgin

Example Sentences

Sister Megan is a virginal bride of Christ, and a journalist with a morbid fascination with serial killers and crime scenes.

From Salon

In response, the actor — who was born to a Jewish mother, raised in a Congregationalist Christian church and maintains a pluralistic view of religion — shared some historical theories about the identity of Jesus’ biological father, whether Mary’s virginal status is literal or figurative and, if the latter, whether Jesus’ conception was consensual, given her young age at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, “People getting ready to do things” is spelled out in egg yolk, besmirching the virginal purity of its white satin support; and “It’s only vanishing cream” is translucent shellac disappearing against deathly black.

From Los Angeles Times

Set in Rome in 1971 just before the events of the first movie, “The First Omen’s” central figure is Margaret Daino, a dewy, virginal American novitiate played by Nell Tiger Free.

From Seattle Times

The Hulu documentary "Framing Britney Spears," highlighted that in the late '90s and early '00s Spears' appeal was her "virginal but sexy" aesthetic.

From Salon

Related Words

• angelic
• chaste
• pristine