established church

noun

: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation or state and supported by civil authority

Examples of established church in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Author Tony Ortega, who chronicles Scientology at his website The Underground Bunker, explains that this is established church protocol in action. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Nov. 2022 In the message, the pope expressed concern for the laity and clergy of Germany if their leaders break with established church teaching. Fox News, 21 July 2022 Although not a signatory of that letter, Archbishop Justin Welby, the head of England’s established church and a fellow Etonian, is known to share that worry. The Economist, 27 July 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of established church was in 1575

Dictionary Entries Near established church

Cite this Entry

“Established church.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/established%20church. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

established church

noun
: a church recognized by law as the official church of a nation

More from Merriam-Webster on established church

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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