circuit rider

noun

: a clergyman assigned to a circuit especially in a rural area

Examples of circuit rider in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the United States, the faith grew quickly in the 19th century as circuit riders crisscrossed the country preaching and establishing churches. Ruth Graham, New York Times, 18 Dec. 2023 But circuit rider preachers gathered worshippers in the village school, which was also shared by other denominations for religious services, according to an unofficial history from the church. Evan Casey, Journal Sentinel, 10 June 2022 But the committee’s interest has both reflected and fueled a suspicion that Flynn is something more than a MAGA circuit rider. New York Times, 4 Feb. 2022 Johnson is a former semi-pro rodeo circuit rider who launched his music career as an independent artist in Texas. Pam Windsor, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2021 Besides these, she is preceded in death by a host of colorful ancestors from circuit riders to French aristocrats to brewers. Sun-Sentinel.com, 27 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circuit rider.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circuit rider was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near circuit rider

Cite this Entry

“Circuit rider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circuit%20rider. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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