What does "holy" mean?
A thing that is extremely holy; used almost exclusively in Holy of Holies.
Holy
/ˈhəʊli/ adj, intj, noun, slang
adj, intj, noun, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A thing that is extremely holy; used almost exclusively in Holy of Holies.
- Grammar: holy is listed as adj, intj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adored, all powerful, all seeing, all-knowing.
- Useful contrasts: antonym(s) of “set apart, damaged, dedicated for a specific purpose”.
- Usage evidence: Holy crap, who's the asshole who dares call me in the middle of the night?!
How to use "holy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "holy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "holy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "holy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "holy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "holy" is acting as adj, intj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adored" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "holy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A thing that is extremely holy; used almost exclusively in Holy of Holies. archaic
"The holy of holies, a cubical space of ten cubits on the side, was separated from the larger antechamber by four columns, which were also covered with gold and stood upon silver sockets; they bore a second curtain of four colors."
- 2 a sacred place of pilgrimage wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Dedicated to a religious purpose or a god.
"I'm planning to visit the holy city of Jerusalem this Christmas."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of holy used when referring to an important figure, such as God, or to an important item or event. alt-of
- 3 Revered in a religion.
"This tree is considered holy in my culture."
- 4 Morally perfect or flawless, or nearly so.
"My grandmother is a very holy woman."
- 5 Separated or set apart from (something unto something or someone else).
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Set apart or dedicated for a specific purpose, or for use by a single entity or person.
- 7 Used as an intensifier in various interjections. slang
"Holy cow, I can’t believe he actually lost the race!"
Adjective
- 1 belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power wordnet
Intj
- 1 An expression of astonishment and awe. slang
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Holy crap, who's the asshole who dares call me in the middle of the night?!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "holy"?
Common synonyms include: adored, all powerful, all seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-seeing.
How do you use "holy" in a sentence?
Holy crap, who's the asshole who dares call me in the middle of the night?!
How do you pronounce "holy"?
Pronounced /ˈhəʊli/.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English holi, hali, from Old English hāliġ, hāleġ (“holy, consecrated, sacred, venerated, godly, saintly, ecclesiastical, pacific, tame”), from Proto-West Germanic *hailag, from Proto-Germanic *hailagaz (“holy, bringing health”), from Proto-Germanic *hailaz (“healthy, whole”), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₂ilos (“healthy, whole”), equivalent to whole + -y and a doublet of later wholly. Cognate with Scots haly (“holy”), West Frisian hillich (“holy”), Low German hillig (“holy”), Dutch heilig (“holy”), German heilig (“holy”), Danish hellig (“holy”), Swedish helig (“holy”). More at whole.