congregational

adjective

con·​gre·​ga·​tion·​al ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnəl How to pronounce congregational (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
1
: of or relating to a congregation
2
capitalized : of or relating to a body of Protestant churches deriving from the English Independents of the 17th century and affirming the essential importance and the autonomy of the local congregation
3
: of or relating to church government placing final authority in the assembly of the local congregation
congregationalism noun often capitalized
congregationalist noun or adjective often capitalized

Examples of congregational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The trust would redirect funds to train conservative, biblically faithful ministers, support their salaries in struggling churches, and secure congregational autonomy from progressive denominational gatekeepers. The Rev. Jake Dell, Hartford Courant, 7 July 2025 Due to this emphasis on local congregational autonomy, Southeast church’s size and rapid growth is uncommon for the independent Christian Churches fold. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 The Hare Krishna movement spans hundreds of centers and restaurants, thousands of local meeting groups and millions of congregational members worldwide. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 12 June 2025 In another response to the pandemic, some Broward Jews have rethought their synagogue attendance, resulting in a recent congregational merger. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for congregational

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of congregational was in 1639

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Cite this Entry

“Congregational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congregational. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

congregational

adjective
con·​gre·​ga·​tion·​al ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnəl How to pronounce congregational (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to a congregation
2
: of or relating to church government placing final authority in the local congregation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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