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
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
In a report released last year, the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirmed its ban on clergy officiating at weddings of intermarrying couples but called on members to be more welcoming toward mixed families.
—
Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Reconciliation today Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.
—Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The outcome may influence how other states approach mandated reporting requirements for clergy, especially as constitutional and civil rights groups enter the debate.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Some still support the family of the shah, the U.S.-backed leader deposed during the 1979 revolution that brought the current ruling clergy to power.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
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Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Reconciliation today Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.
—Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
The outcome may influence how other states approach mandated reporting requirements for clergy, especially as constitutional and civil rights groups enter the debate.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Some still support the family of the shah, the U.S.-backed leader deposed during the 1979 revolution that brought the current ruling clergy to power.
—Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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