prioress

noun

pri·​or·​ess ˈprī-ə-rəs 

: a nun corresponding in rank to a prior

Examples of prioress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026

After Robin is gravely injured, he is taken in by the sage prioress Brigid (Jodie Comer), who nurses him back to health at an island convent. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Marie, who becomes the prioress of the abbey at 17, begins a rise to power — or as much power as a woman is permitted — using her fellow nuns to fight off political and violent incursions. — Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026

Matrix by Lauren Groff Currents of violence and devotion coalesce around Marie de France, a 17-year-old sent to be the new prioress of a 12th-century English abbey. — Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prioress

• chloris
• chorus
• horus
• lores
• morrice
• morus
• orris
• porous
• porus
• torus
• authorise
• clitoris

Kids Definition

prioress

noun

pri·​or·​ess ˈprī-ə-rəs 

: a nun who is head of a priory