priest

noun

ˈprēst 

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

Synonyms

• clergyperson
• cleric
• clerical
• clerk
• deacon
• divine
• dominie
• ecclesiastic
• minister
• preacher
• reverend

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

David Hyde Pierce is earnest to a fault as the priest hired as a consultant for the film, but the character doesn’t quite seem to jell. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 June 2024

In late May, Francis apologized after he was quoted using the same derogatory term to reaffirm the Catholic Church’s ban on gay priests. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024

The Vatican Press Office issued a news bulletin summarizing the latest hour-and-a-half meeting with around 160 priests. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 12 June 2024

Then a rogue priest warns her that Carlita might have been bred by the church specifically to give birth to the Anti-Christ — this is, after all, an Omen movie — and our protagonist becomes determined to save the girl. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing priest

• high priest
• priest-ridden
• worker-priest

Kids Definition

priest

noun

ˈprēst 

: 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"