deacon

noun

dea·​con ˈdē-kən 

plural deacons

: a subordinate officer in a Christian church: such as

a

: a Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox cleric ranking next below a priest

b

: one of the laity elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees

c

: a Mormon in the lowest grade of the Aaronic priesthood

Synonyms

• priest
• preacher
• bishop
• clergyman
• pastor

Examples of deacon in a Sentence

my cousin was married by his uncle, who is also a deacon in his church

Recent Examples on the Web

Other examples of similar rebukes have come from Catholic figures such as Reverend Michael Pham, bishop of San Diego, California, who joined several of his colleagues in calling for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025

As newcomers trickle in, a deacon goes in search of more folding chairs. —Bracey Harris, NBC news, 12 July 2025

Progressive Catholics have been pushing for women to be ordained as deacons and priests for years. —John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025

Afterward, the senior cardinal deacon will announce the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter's. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dekene, from Old English dēacon, from Late Latin diaconus, from Greek diakonos, literally, servant, from dia- + -konos (akin to enkonein to be active); perhaps akin to Latin conari to attempt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing deacon

• deacon's bench

Rhymes for deacon

• beacon
• weaken
• archdeacon
• mohican

Kids Definition

deacon

noun

dea·​con ˈdē-kən 

1

: a member of the Christian clergy next below a priest

2

: a church member in various Christian churches who has special duties