spirituality

American  

[spir-i-choo-al-i-tee] / ˌspɪr ɪ tʃuˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

spiritualities

1. the quality or fact of being spiritual.

   Life in modern society is all work and no spirituality.

2. incorporeal or immaterial nature.

3. predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.; spiritual tendency or tone.

4. Often spiritualities. property or revenue of the church or of an ecclesiastic in their official capacity.

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spirituality British  

/ ˌspɪrɪtjʊˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being dedicated to God, religion, or spiritual things or values, esp as contrasted with material or temporal ones

2. the condition or quality of being spiritual

3. a distinctive approach to religion or prayer

   the spirituality of the desert Fathers

4. (often plural) Church property or revenue or a Church benefice

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Other Word Forms

• nonspirituality
  noun
• superspirituality
  noun
• unspirituality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of spirituality

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English from Medieval Latin spīrituālitās; see spiritual, -ity

Explanation

Spirituality has to do with the spirit, not as in ghosts, but as in the essence of being human — your soul or your inner life. Spirituality often has to do with religion, but it doesn't have to. You might say, "I'm not religious; but I have a strong sense of spirituality," which might mean that you practice yoga or meditation, or you pray with a group, or you nurture your spirit by spending time in nature. Religions usually have defined beliefs, rituals, and guidelines; spirituality is more individual.

Example Sentences

Macron is not a practising Catholic but had a good relationship with Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, meeting him three times and discussing with him both global crises and spirituality.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“Sinners” centers the Black American experience through history, art and spirituality, while “One Battle” speaks to the white liberal male’s ineffectual navigation of weaponized racial grievance.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

The bit remains frustratingly shallow, when there’s so much opportunity to plumb what it means to seek solace in smoothies and faux spirituality.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

But he continued to broadcast on BBC airwaves notably as presenter of Radio 4's Something Understood, turning back to issues of faith and spirituality which had engaged him as a student.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

The experience made a profound impression on him that led him to think twice about the difference between spirituality and religion, between faith and the institutions that deliver its message.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel