clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē 

plural clergies

1

: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church

Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

2

: the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion

Buddhist clergy

Synonyms of clergy

• church
• episcopate

Examples of clergy in a Sentence

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

a member of the clergy

Recent Examples on the Web

Government repression increasingly targeted Catholic clergy in communities in Quiché, and Gerardi began to openly protest the violent acts. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

Officials and clergy promoted July 8 as a Russian answer to Valentine’s Day. — Diana Dukhanova, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Melinda Moore, a psychology professor at Eastern Kentucky University, noted that most clergy and faith leaders receive little or no training in pastoral care for those who are suicidal or suicide-bereaved. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

The agreement affects around 530 individuals who have filed abuse claims against current or former members of the city's Catholic clergy. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clergy

• benefit of clergy

Kids Definition

clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē 

plural clergies

: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services