ministry

[ min-uh-stree ]

noun

, plural min·is·tries.

1. the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion.
2. the body or class of ministers of religion; clergy.
3. the service, function, or office of a minister of state.
4. the body of ministers of state.
5. (usually initial capital letter) any of the administrative governmental departments of certain countries usually under the direction of a minister of state.
6. (usually initial capital letter) the building that houses such an administrative department.
7. the term of office of a minister of state.
8. an act or instance of ministering; ministration; service.
9. something that serves as an agency, instrument, or means.

ministry

/ ˈmɪnɪstrɪ /

noun

1. 1. the profession or duties of a minister of religion
   2. the performance of these duties
2. ministers of religion or government ministers considered collectively
3. the tenure of a minister
4. 1. a government department headed by a minister
   2. the buildings of such a department

Other Words From

• pre·minis·try noun plural preministries
• pseudo·minis·try noun plural pseudoministries
• under·minis·try noun plural underministries

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin ministerium, from minister minister + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

C14: from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant; see minister

Example Sentences

More than 43,980 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's health ministry.

From BBC

Russia's defence ministry said the strike had targeted the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine to the north on Tuesday morning.

From BBC

On Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed at a media briefing that “the leaders of Hamas that are within the negotiating team are now not in Doha”.

From BBC

In the past year, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 3,840 people and wounded nearly 15,000 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

From BBC

The foreign ministries of Finland and Germany issued a joint statement late Monday expressing concern about the severed cable between their countries.

From New York Times

Related Words

• bureau
• department