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.
Despite their contributions and support, this is all in jeopardy, Arana said before attending a prayer vigil for them featuring Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and local clergy on June 10. Terry Collins, USA Today, 13 June 2025 Chicago Tribune Many of Madigan’s backers are people with personal or political ties that run long and deep, such as current and former lawmakers, lobbyists, staffers, judges, campaign contributors, ward heelers, labor leaders, clergy and, of course, family. Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025 Worse, the law appears to single out clergy as not entitled to assert applicable privileges, as compare d to other reporting professionals. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Leo's response will set the tone for his approach to Beijing’s increasingly overt challenges to Vatican authority, as well as its persecution of underground Catholic clergy in a country that is home to approximately 20 million Catholics. Aryn Baker, Time, 9 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 30 Jun. 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

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