ho·ly
Pronounced:
/ˈhoʊli/
Function:
adjectiveInflected forms:
ho·li·er; ho·li·estMeaning:
1 a : connected to a god or a religion ▪ a holy temple ▪ a holy relic worn by one of the saints ▪ the Holy Bible b : religious and morally good ▪ a holy man
2 informal —used in phrases that show surprise or excitement ▪ Holy cow! [=Wow!] ▪ Holy mackerel! You got your hair cut! ▪ Holy smoke!
3 informal —used for emphasis ▪ That boy is a holy terror. [=he is very difficult to control] ▪ He gave them holy hell. [=he scolded them in a very angry way]
2 informal —used in phrases that show surprise or excitement ▪ Holy cow! [=Wow!] ▪ Holy mackerel! You got your hair cut! ▪ Holy smoke!
3 informal —used for emphasis ▪ That boy is a holy terror. [=he is very difficult to control] ▪ He gave them holy hell. [=he scolded them in a very angry way]