prelate

noun

prel·​ate ˈpre-lət 

 also  ˈprē-ˌlāt

: an ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank

Examples of prelate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time of the bishops’ appeal, Lai had been imprisoned in solitary confinement for almost 1,000 days, and the prelates were polite ... —George Weigel, National Review, 20 Feb. 2025

Francis delegated a Vatican prelate to participate in a Mass for him on Sunday. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

The prelate continued by ticking off a laundry list of crucial jobs and roles that undocumented immigrants play in American society as Trump glowered, flanked by First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025

The prelate suggested that any rush toward legalizing civil divorce could undermine Filipino families – the foundational aspect of society, according to the country’s constitution. —Mark Saludes, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prelat, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praelatus, literally, one receiving preferment, from Latin (past participle of praeferre to prefer), from prae- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prelate

• domestic prelate

Rhymes for prelate

• chelate
• pellet
• zealot
• appellate

Kids Definition

prelate

noun

prel·​ate ˈprel-ət 

: a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)