circuit rider

noun

: a clergyman assigned to a circuit especially in a rural area

Examples of circuit rider in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the United States, the faith grew quickly in the 19th century as circuit riders crisscrossed the country preaching and establishing churches. Ruth Graham, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2023 But circuit rider preachers gathered worshippers in the village school, which was also shared by other denominations for religious services, according to an unofficial history from the church. Evan Casey, Journal Sentinel, 10 June 2022 But the committee’s interest has both reflected and fueled a suspicion that Flynn is something more than a MAGA circuit rider. New York Times, 4 Feb. 2022 Johnson is a former semi-pro rodeo circuit rider who launched his music career as an independent artist in Texas. Pam Windsor, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2021 Besides these, she is preceded in death by a host of colorful ancestors from circuit riders to French aristocrats to brewers. Sun-Sentinel.com, 27 Oct. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circuit rider was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near circuit rider

Cite this Entry

“Circuit rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circuit%20rider. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on circuit rider

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!