chastity
noun
chas·ti·ty
ˈcha-stə-tē 
1
: the quality or state of being chaste: such as
a
: abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse
b
: abstention from all sexual intercourse
The priest took a vow of chastity.
c
: purity in conduct and intention
sought to protect her threatened chastity
d
: restraint and simplicity in design or expression
… describes the familiar campaigns with an admirable chastity of diction.—
Richard Brookhiser
Richard Brookhiser2
: personal integrity
Examples of chastity in a Sentence
a saint who is often held up as a model of chastity
vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience
Recent Examples on the Web
In a nutshell, chastity is the practice of orgasm denial, often through a device like a dedicated cage.
—Mikelle Street, Them., 1 Oct. 2025
The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 July 2025
Like Saint Augustine, Republicans want chastity and continence -- but not yet.
—Michael F. Cannon, National Review, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chastity
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Mikelle Street, Them., 1 Oct. 2025
The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.
—Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 2 July 2025
Like Saint Augustine, Republicans want chastity and continence -- but not yet.
—Michael F. Cannon, National Review, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for chastity
Cite this Entry
“Chastity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chastity. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chastity
noun
chas·ti·ty
ˈchas-tət-ē
: the quality or state of being chaste
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