First Known Use: circa 1587
Dictionary
ecumenical
adjective ec·u·men·i·cal \ˌe-kyə-ˈme-ni-kəl, -kyü-\
: involving people from different kinds of Christian churches
Full Definition of ECUMENICAL
1
: worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
2
a : of, relating to, or representing the whole of a body of churches b : promoting or tending toward worldwide Christian unity or cooperation
— ec·u·men·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See ecumenical defined for English-language learners
See ecumenical defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ECUMENICAL
Late Latin oecumenicus, from Late Greek oikoumenikos, from Greek oikoumenē the inhabited world, from feminine of oikoumenos, present passive participle of oikein to inhabit, from oikos house — more at vicinity
Learn More About ECUMENICAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: ecumenicalismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ecumenicAll Words Near: ecumenical
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up ecumenical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).