: an ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank
Examples of prelate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The life of the court and contemplative life were two models in which the leisure of the lord, the prelate, and the warrior could function.
—Walter Benjamin, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for prelate
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.
Mark Saludes, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2024
The life of the court and contemplative life were two models in which the leisure of the lord, the prelate, and the warrior could function.
—Walter Benjamin, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for prelate
Cite this Entry
“Prelate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prelate
noun
prel·ate
ˈprel-ət 
: a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share