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
But everything that is said between the confessor and priest is confidential.
—
Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
In Colina, Chile, pilgrims on horseback took part in the Quasimodo Feast, a procession held the Sunday following Easter, accompanying priests giving communion to the poor.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Kilmer’s likeness can be seen portraying Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Speaking on board the papal plane from Algeria to Cameroon, Leo XIV pointed to his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, the largest in Africa, and to the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a hugely influential Christian figure who inspired him to become a priest.
—Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for priest
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Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
In Colina, Chile, pilgrims on horseback took part in the Quasimodo Feast, a procession held the Sunday following Easter, accompanying priests giving communion to the poor.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Kilmer’s likeness can be seen portraying Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2026
Speaking on board the papal plane from Algeria to Cameroon, Leo XIV pointed to his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, the largest in Africa, and to the birthplace of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a hugely influential Christian figure who inspired him to become a priest.
—Charbel Mallo, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for priest
Cite this Entry
“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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"
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