minister

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noun min·is·ter \ˈmi-nə-stər\

Simple Definition of minister

: a person whose job involves leading church services, performing religious ceremonies (such as marriages), and providing spiritual or religious guidance to other people : a member of the clergy in some Protestant churches
: an official who heads a government department or a major section of a department in some countries (such as Britain)
: a person who represents his or her own government while living in a foreign country

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

1 : agent
2 a : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion
3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house
4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities
5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador

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Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin minister servant; akin to Latin minor smaller

First Known Use: 14th century

verb min·is·ter

\-st(ə-)riŋ\

See minister defined for English-language learners

14th Century

14th century

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noun min·is·ter \ˈmi-nə-stər\

1 : a person who performs religious ceremonies especially in Protestant church services
2 : a government official at the head of a section of government activities <minister of education>
3 : a person who represents his or her government in a foreign country