Definition of EDIFYING
: instructive or informative in a way that improves the mind or character
Much of Mr. Kernan's scholarship is impressive, and many of his thoughts on the history of language and literature are quite edifying.—
Joe Queenan
Examples of edifying in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This may have been a low point, but not even the more edifying moments of the discussion shed much light on the essential conflict between Brustein’s commitment to integration and Wilson’s appeal for separatism.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2023
But the fact that the two situations are being compared does not make the comparison very edifying.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 17 Jan. 2023
For all its limitations, that work felt full and rich and edifying, and real.
—Tracy Kidder, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2023
Selecting an architect is, or should be, an edifying and enjoyable project.
—Dallas News, 23 Jan. 2022
See all Example Sentences for edifying 
Word History
First Known Use
1526, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of edifying was in 1526
Dictionary Entries Near edifying
Cite this Entry
“Edifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edifying. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on edifying
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!