cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
: a member of the clergy

Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified
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.
The terrorist group announced on Tuesday that Islamic cleric Naim Qassem would take the reins of the organization after serving as its deputy secretary-general for decades. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Oct. 2024 The 71-year-old Shiite cleric helped found Hezbollah in 1982, and has served seven consecutive terms as deputy secretary-general since 1991. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 Even if Khamenei’s son doesn’t succeed him, the supreme leader’s machinations have effectively ensured the mantle will pass to another younger, radical cleric. Saeid Golkar, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 The pregnancy also means that Trump, who also met Thursday with some Islamic clerics from metro Detroit, is expecting a Lebanese American grandchild. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cleric 

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near cleric

Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy

More from Merriam-Webster on cleric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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