Definition of 'kirk'

Word Frequency

kirk

(kɜːʳk )

Word forms: plural kirks

1. countable noun

A kirk is a church.

[Scottish]

...the eighteenth-century kirk across the road.

2. proper noun

The Kirk is the Church of Scotland, the main Protestant church in Scotland.

[Scottish]

...ministers of the Kirk.

Word Frequency

kirk in British

(kɜːk , Scottish kɪrk)

noun

1. a Scot word for church

a Scottish church

Word origin of 'kirk'

C12: from Old Norse kirkja, from Old English cirice church

Word Frequency

Kirk in British 1

(kɜːk , Scottish kɪrk)

noun

the Kirk

Word Frequency

Kirk in British 2

(kɜːk )

noun

Norman. 1923–74, prime minister of New Zealand (1972–74)

Word Frequency

kirk in American

(kɜrk ; kʉrk; Scottish kɪʀk; kirk)

noun

Scottish and North England

a church

Idioms:

the Kirk

Word origin of 'kirk'

Scot < ME kirke < OE cirice (infl. by ON kirkja): see church

Example sentences containing 'kirk'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

`You robbed the kirk, Miss o'Brady, surely you haven't forgotten that. Fraser, Christine Marion NOBLE BEGINNNINGSPeople said he shudna've done that, but they were aa neatly stacked in the kirk atween interments, and he's an awfy man wi a drink on him. Adair, Tom (Intro) THREE KINDS OF KISSING - SCOTTISH SHORT STORIESIt was a wonder the kirk hadn't fallen about his ears a long time ago! Fraser, Christine Marion NOBLE BEGINNNINGS