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

The Italian foreign ministry has declined to comment on the video.

From The Daily Beast

It would take a few years for the ministry to change its tune on Borat.

From The Daily Beast

The Italian health ministry said it could not prove a direct correlation between the flu vaccine and the deaths.

From The Daily Beast

There, she and other mothers can take ministry-sponsored courses, including on cooking and avoiding marital conflict.

From The Daily Beast

An Italian Interior Ministry official told The Daily Beast that issues in Africa offered a more accurate explanation.

From The Daily Beast

The policy thus initiated found final expression in the famous Proclamation of 1763, in the early months of Grenville's ministry.

From Project Gutenberg

For new taxes, however, it would doubtless be necessary to await the formation of a new ministry.

From Project Gutenberg

The formation of a new ministry was not an unusual occurrence in the early years of King George the Third.

From Project Gutenberg

It is dutiful for some to give themselves to the work of the ministry, and to vow to do its duties; but not dutiful for all.

From Project Gutenberg

Does the experience of the last ten years justify the country in placing confidence, on such a point, in a Whig Ministry?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bureau
• department