Monsignor

or mon·si·gnor

[ mon-see-nyer; Italian mawn-see-nyawr ]

noun

, Roman Catholic Church.

, plural Mon·si·gnors, Italian Mon·si·gno·ri [mawn-see-, nyaw, -, r, ee].

1. a title conferred upon certain prelates.
2. a person bearing this title.

Monsignor

/ mɒnˈsiːnjə; monsiɲˈɲor /

noun

1. RC Church an ecclesiastical title attached to certain offices or distinctions usually bestowed by the Pope AbbreviationMgrMsgr

Other Words From

• mon·si·gno·ri·al [mon-seen-, yawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, yohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Monsignor¹

1635–45; < Italian < French Monseigneur Monseigneur ( def ); signor

Word History and Origins

Origin of Monsignor¹

C17: from Italian, from French Monseigneur

Example Sentences

"Of course, the Pope has a message. But at the same time, he is also the message," says Monsignor Stephen Yim, co-chair of the organising committee at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

From BBC

You look at the films Perry was doing in that era, “Monsignor” with Christopher Reeve and Geneviève Bujold, and that movie sucks.

From Salon

Monsignor John Kennedy, who heads the Vatican office investigating abuse cases, said his staff was working diligently to process cases and had received praise from individual bishops, entire conferences who visit and religious superiors.

From Seattle Times

Monsignor John Kennedy, who heads the Vatican office that investigates abuse cases, said his staff was working diligently to process cases and had received praise from individual bishops, entire conferences who visit and religious superiors.

From Seattle Times

Monsignor Bryan McCanny told mourners the teenager's family had bonded together following his death.

From BBC

Related Words

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