priest

noun

plural priests
: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God
specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyperson ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

Examples of priest in a Sentence

He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism
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.
Lisa called her parents, and asked her dad to get their parish priest. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 19 Nov. 2024 The priest who okay’d the filming of a controversial Sabrina Carpenter music video at his Williamsburg, Brooklyn church has been relieved of his duties. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024 One place to start would be selling dozens of parishes that appear to be without priests, said Jeff Anderson, an attorney representing more than 100 victims. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 He became known as a straightforward communicator who reinforces church teachings and has good relationships with priests and parishioners. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for priest 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of priest was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near priest

Cite this Entry

“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

priest

noun
: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies
Etymology

Old English prēost "priest," derived from Latin presbyter "priest, elder," from Greek presbyteros, comparative form of presbys "old man, elder"

More from Merriam-Webster on priest

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