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.
Television reporters, judges and clergy have fallen several places, while auto mechanics have moved up. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025 His father convinced church leaders to keep quiet and promised Alger would never work in the clergy again. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 Andrew Young strongly advised that business leaders, if productively engaged, can be the strongest forces for social justice, even more than the politicians and the clergy. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 The Edelman Trust Barometer shows a steady decline of confidence in all pillars of society from public officials and the media to clergy and colleges. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 28 Dec. 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 27 Jan. 2025.

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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