1. people who are not members of the clergy or a religious order; laypeople
Usage: plural form

Examples

• The church council included both clergy and seculars.
• Medieval universities were attended by both religious scholars and seculars.
• The monastery opened its library to seculars for research purposes.
• During the reformation, many seculars challenged church authority.
• The debate involved both religious leaders and educated seculars.
• Seculars were often excluded from certain church ceremonies.