monsignor

noun

mon·​si·​gnor män-ˈsē-nyər 

mən-

plural monsignors or monsignori ˌmän-ˌsēn-ˈyȯr-ē 

: a Roman Catholic prelate having a dignity or titular distinction (as of domestic prelate or protonotary apostolic) usually conferred by the pope

—used as a title prefixed to the surname or to the given name and surname

monsignorial

ˌmän-ˌsēn-ˈyȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

Examples of monsignor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2014, Pope Francis abolished the future use of the monsignor title — which denotes a specific honor — for most priests. — Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

This time around, the monsignor of a small-town church is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is summoned to investigate. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Throughout his work, the monsignor has served numerous parishes and schools across the local archdiocese, including Our Lady’s in Scituate, Our Lady of the Assumption in Lynnfield and Saint Peter Parish in Cambridge, and became rector of the Cathedral in 2008. — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

Narratively, Daniel Craig’s returning lead Benoit Blanc takes a back pew to the conflict between a sensitive priest and a malignant monsignor who has turned away from Jesus’ teachings. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian monsignore, from French monseigneur

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monsignor

• consignor
• senior

Kids Definition

monsignor

noun

mon·​si·​gnor män-ˈsē-nyər 

mən-

plural monsignors or monsignori ˌmän-ˈsēn-ˈyōr-ē 

-ˈyȯr-

—used as a title for Roman Catholic priests