congregational

adjective

con·​gre·​ga·​tion·​al ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnəl 

-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

ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnə-ˌli-zəm 

-shə-nə-ˌli-

noun often capitalized

congregationalist

ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnə-list 

-shə-nə-list

noun or adjective often capitalized

Examples of congregational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The congregational prayers – seen as the pinnacle of the Islamic week – were the first since the fall of the Assadregime. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024

My commendation goes to Rabbi Laila Haas for her innovative approach to such a difficult subject and for her choice to reenter the congregational rabbinate. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024

Still, what this data helps show is that for the majority of Black Christians, their political views are more reflective of their experiences with race than their congregational affiliation. —Dara Delgado, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024

Social engagement has been essential to many Black Pentecostal identities and congregational life since their beginnings, especially material works of mercy – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and educating the ignorant. —Dara Delgado, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

congregational

adjective

con·​gre·​ga·​tion·​al ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

1

: of or relating to a congregation

2

: of or relating to church government placing final authority in the local congregation