priest

[ preest ]

noun

1. a person whose office it is to perform religious rites, and especially to make sacrificial offerings.
2. (in Christian use)
   1. a person ordained to the sacerdotal or pastoral office; a member of the clergy; minister.
   2. (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clergy of the order next below that of bishop, authorized to carry out the Christian ministry.
3. a minister of any religion.

verb (used with object)

1. to ordain as a priest.

priest

/ priːst /

noun

1. Christianity a person ordained to act as a mediator between God and man in administering the sacraments, preaching, blessing, guiding, etc
2. (in episcopal Churches) a minister in the second grade of the hierarchy of holy orders, ranking below a bishop but above a deacon
3. a minister of any religion
4. Judaism a descendant of the family of Aaron who has certain privileges in the synagogue service
5. (in some non-Christian religions) an official who offers sacrifice on behalf of the people and performs other religious ceremonies
6. sometimes capital a variety of fancy pigeon having a bald pate with a crest or peak at the back of the head
7. angling a small club used to kill fish caught

verb

1. to make a priest; ordain

priest

1. One who is designated an authority on religious matters. In some churches , especially the Anglican Communion , Eastern Orthodox Church , and Roman Catholic Church , the ordained church leader who serves a congregation of believers is called a priest. The priests in these churches administer the sacraments , preach, and care for the needs of their congregations. ( See also minister and pastor .)

Derived Forms

• ˈpriestˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• priestless adjective
• priestlike adjective adverb
• anti·priest adjective
• under·priest noun
• un·priestlike adjective adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of priest¹

before 900; Middle English prest ( e ), priest, Old English prēost, ultimately < Late Latin presbyter presbyter

Word History and Origins

Origin of priest¹

Old English prēost, apparently from presbyter ; related to Old High German prēster, Old French prestre

Example Sentences

A New York priest who let popstar Sabrina Carpenter film provocative scenes for a music video inside his church has been accused of mismanagement and stripped of his duties.

From BBC

Two journalists have been slain in recent weeks, as well as a beloved indigenous priest.

From Los Angeles Times

Suddenly, Jackson’s career was kicked into the stratosphere and Jones was regarded as the high priest of pop music.

From Los Angeles Times

Rev Richard Coles was a Church of England priest in Northamptonshire until he retired in 2022, and is best known for his work in broadcasting and as a writer.

From BBC

Currently the Catholic Church only allows men to become deacons - ordained ministers who can officiate baptisms, weddings and funerals but not mass, unlike priests.

From BBC

Related Words

• cleric
• elder
• father
• friar
• lama
• monk
• preacher
• rector