adjective 1. deserving respect because of age, high position or religious or historical importance
FORMAL a venerable tradition/company/family
FORMAL the venerable ruins of the abbey
2. (informal, especially humorous) Venerable can also be used to describe something that has
been in use, or someone who has been involved in something, for a long time.
I see you still have your venerable old car!
In recent years there has been a noticeable decline in such venerable British
institutions as afternoon tea and the Sunday roast.
The venerable rock star received a special award today for his 20 years in the music business.
3. An archdeacon in the Church of England is given the title Venerable.
the Venerable John Brown
4. A person who is considered holy by the Roman Catholic Church but who has not yet
been made a saint is also called Venerable.
The Pope took the first step towards canonizing the priest yesterday by announcing that he
was entitled to be called Venerable.
5. Venerable is also a title given to a monk in Buddhism.
Venerable Amaro lit a candle and sat cross-legged on the floor.