priest

noun

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

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 We're derailed from this track when the priest slides into the cartel warehouse. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Shout out to Jason Miller as the young priest questioning his faith, who turns out to be a hero. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024 One of the most iconic shots of the film is that of the priest’s face, which transitions into a barren, rocky desertscape. Leila Jordan, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2024 Born in Poland in 1920 but not ordained a priest until after World War II, the master of at least a dozen languages was elected Oct. 16, 1978 — making him among the youngest popes in history — amid much jubilation from Chicago’s Polish American community, which was the largest outside Warsaw. Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for priest 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'priest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of priest was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near priest

Cite this Entry

“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

priest

noun
: 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on priest

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