clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
plural clergies
1
: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.
2
: the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion
Buddhist clergy

Examples of clergy in a Sentence

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service. a member of the clergy
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.
Outside, roughly 40 people, including an attorney who represented Moore, opponents of the death penalty and members of the clergy held a prayer vigil. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 Despite a relatively muted reception by the clergy of St. Patrick’s, the New York Archdiocese later condemned the ceremony, leading to an all-out scandal. Eva Reign, Them, 24 Oct. 2024 The Roman Catholic Church does not allow women to be ordained, arguing in part, that clergy should be unmarried men in the image of Jesus and his 12 disciples. Lisa Ling, CBS News, 19 Sep. 2024 On a three-hour, at-capacity virtual video conference call Sunday night with 1,000 Black clergy from across the country, hours after Biden endorsed Harris, the clergy members enthusiastically backed her. Marianna Sotomayor, Washington Post, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for clergy 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clergy was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near clergy

Cite this Entry

“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

clergy

noun
cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
plural clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services

More from Merriam-Webster on clergy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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