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

Proceeds support Sycamore Presbyterian Preschool, Lesotho Nutrition Initiative and Hope's Closet. —Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025

According to the university, the nickname was coined in the 1940s by Lonnie McMillian, the head coach of nearby rival Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Adjective

Among the parents challenging the law are two Jewish rabbis, a Jewish cantor, a Presbyterian reverend and a Baptist pastor. —Jenna Sundel gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

In the early 19th century, Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham promoted a restrained lifestyle led by a high-fiber, vegetarian diet. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Presbyterian

• hanoverian
• assyrian
• counterion
• criterion
• hyperion
• iberian
• illyrian
• mousterian
• shakespearean
• shakespearian
• virion

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