priest

noun

ˈprēst 

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

Synonyms of priest

• preacher
• cleric
• clergyman
• bishop
• minister
• deacon
• pastor
• reverend
• clerical

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

The congregation is separated from the cloistered Sisters by the grill and the altar where the priest presides. — Kelly Wilkinson, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2026

Andreas had arranged for a local Catholic priest to hold a special Mass at the local church to mark the day of the eclipse. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

There haven’t been any female popes, cardinals, archbishops or priests. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Even a local Catholic priest launched a holy war against the school over its new athletic facility. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing priest

• high priest
• priest-ridden
• worker-priest

Rhymes for priest

• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• least
• pieced
• yeast

Kids Definition

priest

noun

ˈprēst 

: 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"