1. the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings
Usage: religious; capitalized when referring to the specific twelve
2. early Christian missionaries, especially Paul
Usage: religious; broader than the original twelve
3. passionate supporters or advocates of a particular cause or belief
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• The twelve apostles traveled throughout the Roman Empire spreading Christianity.
• Peter and John were among Jesus’s closest apostles.
• Paul is often called the apostle to the Gentiles.
• The apostles performed miracles in Jesus’s name.
• She became one of the leading apostles of environmental conservation.
• The apostles of free trade argued for reduced tariffs.
• Many consider the apostles the foundation of the early Christian church.