Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən 

ˌpres-

: a member of a Presbyterian church

Presbyterian

2 of 2

adjective

1

often not capitalized : characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine

Presbyterianism

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

ˌpres-

noun

Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center tied for ninth. —Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 21 July 2024

Free back to school physicals in Eustis First Presbyterian Church of Eustis will have its annual free back to school physicals event for area students from 9 a.m. to noon July 20 at the church, 117 S. Center St. Registration is required, walk-ins will not be allowed. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2024

Adjective

On May 22, 2023, Ridenour set St. Stephen’s Episcopal and First Presbyterian churches in Douglas on fire. —Lux Butler, The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024

His father, a Scotch Canadian from Nova Scotia, was a passionate angler and a Presbyterian minister. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Presbyterian

adjective

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən,

ˌpres-

1

often not capitalized : having a system of representative governing councils of ministers and elders

2

: of, relating to, or being a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government

Presbyterian noun

Presbyterianism

-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun