sacramental

[ sak-ruh-men-tl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a sacrament, especially the sacrament of the Eucharist.
2. powerfully binding:

   a sacramental obligation.

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. an action, as the sign of the cross, a ceremony resembling a sacrament, or a sacred object, regarded as being instituted by the church rather than by Christ and serving as a means of receiving sanctifying grace.

sacramental

/ ˌsækrəmɛnˈtælɪtɪ; ˌsækrəˈmɛntəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having the nature of a sacrament
2. bound by or as if by a sacrament

noun

1. RC Church a sacrament-like ritual action, such as the sign of the cross or the use of holy water

Derived Forms

• sacramentality, noun
• ˌsacraˈmentally, adverb

Other Words From

• sacra·mental·ly adverb
• sacra·mental·ness sacra·men·tali·ty noun
• nonsac·ra·mental adjective
• unsac·ra·mental adjective
• unsac·ra·mental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sacramental¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word sacrāmentālis. See sacrament, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Indeed, sacramental wine is traditionally red, by analogy with the blood of Christ.

From Salon

Often movies end up grappling with whether the words, rites and sacramental objects of the Catholic church have power of their own, regardless of the beliefs and righteousness of the wielder.

From New York Times

The board also is completing a registration system, with people who use cannabis for medicinal or sacramental purposes expected to have access to it by April, according to Hannah Carty, the board’s executive director.

From Seattle Times

Conference of Catholic Bishops were quick to point out that the blessings approved Monday were pastoral and not liturgical or sacramental.

From Washington Times

The overall goal is to make it abundantly clear to the couple and those around them that the blessing is not a liturgical or sacramental ritual, and that it in no way resembles a marriage.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• angelic
• celestial
• eternal
• heavenly
• holy
• mystical
• religious
• sacred
• spiritual
• supernatural
• transcendent
• wonderful