congregational

American  

[kong-gri-gey-shuh-nl] / ˌkɒŋ grɪˈgeɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a congregation.

   congregational singing.

2. (initial capital letter) pertaining or adhering to a form of Protestant church government in which each local church acts as an independent, self-governing body, while maintaining fellowship with like congregations.

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congregational British  

/ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a congregation

2. (usually capital) of, relating to, or denoting the Congregational Church, its members, or its beliefs

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Other Word Forms

• congregationally adverb
• non-Congregational adjective
• uncongregational adjective

Etymology

Origin of congregational

First recorded in 1570–80; congregation + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The month of fasting usually last about 30 days and concludes with the festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which is a time of family celebrations following congregational prayers.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

On Friday, thousands of Muslims in several parts in the region offered special congregational prayers seeking God’s intervention in ending the dry spell.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

“We have learned that preparation matters,” Larry Glickman, director of congregational shared services for the Union for Reform Judaism.

From Washington Times • Sep. 24, 2023

But Southern Baptists have also historically revered the principle of congregational autonomy, seeing their denomination as an association bound together by cooperation rather than by hierarchies and creeds.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

He’s bringing in floral arrangements to decorate the synagogue on the big day, and he’s paying for the congregational Kiddush, which is like a mini lunch after the service is over.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman