rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē 

plural rectories

1

: a benefice held by a rector

2

: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

Examples of rectory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But back in 2010, the block was relatively quaint, and the lot held a two-story, 2,599-square-foot rectory for priests. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 15 Sep. 2026

Situated in New Orleans’s Marigny neighborhood, Hotel Peter & Paul occupies a former 19th-century Catholic church, schoolhouse, convent, and rectory. — Air Mail, 4 July 2026

The rectory, where Storey lived, is across the street and has a Prairie Village address. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026

This means a daily morning and midday Mass, on top of Sunday services, 13 confession times a week, and a treasured personal life on the third floor of the rectory, which has been his home for two decades. — Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rectory

• nectary
• directory
• refectory
• trajectory
• subdirectory

Kids Definition

rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē 

plural rectories

: a residence of a rector or a parish priest