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

The patron saint of charitable societies, he is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor, though he is also known for his reform of the clergy and for his early role in opposing Jansenism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

In 1832, when a cholera pandemic reached New York City, clergy called for a national day of fasting and prayer. — Jim Downs, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026

One of Argentina’s most notorious clergy abuse scandals involved dozens of deaf children at the Antonio Próvolo Institute in Mendoza between 2005 and 2016. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

McKnight ordered the restrictions after the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), which handles certain disciplinary actions involving clergy, issued a penal precept for Kallal. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 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