clergyman

[ klur-jee-muhn ]

noun

, plural cler·gy·men.

1. a member of the clergy.
2. an ordained Christian minister.

clergyman

/ ˈklɜːdʒɪmən /

noun

1. a member of the clergy Gender-neutral formvicarpriest

Word History and Origins

Origin of clergyman¹

First recorded in 1570–80; clergy + -man

Example Sentences

The 1982 report, prepared by Anglican clergyman Mark Ruston, about the canings said "the scale and severity of the practice was horrific", with accounts of boys beaten so badly they bled, with one describing how he needed to wear nappies until his wounds scabbed over.

From BBC

It got so bad, the local archbishop had to go on TV and remind his flock that, although it is common for priests to pass around the collection plate asking for money during Mass, “no Catholic clergyman will ask a parishioner for a gift card.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gumbleton’s death was announced by the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he was a clergyman for more than 50 years.

From Seattle Times

The unnamed clergyman was detained alongside another man on suspicion of selling the medication, as well as "other powerful aphrodisiac substances", according to El Pais.

From BBC

“She is an organic leader who was a seed that came from the soil of the Oakland community, which has long cared deeply about doing right in society,” said retired Pastor Alfred J. Smith, 92, a famed local clergyman who led Allen Temple Baptist Church, which Lee has attended for decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bishop
• chaplain
• cleric
• evangelist
• missionary
• pastor
• pontiff
• preacher
• priest
• rabbi