clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē 

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

Synonyms of clergy

• church
• episcopate

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

Talk to a trusted friend, a clergy person or see a therapist. —Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026

And throughout this service congregants and clergy alike prostrated dozens of times. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

Over the past few decades, many American politicians and Christian clergy have disparaged Islam and its believers. —Anna Piela, The Conversation, 13 Apr. 2026

As faith leaders continue to toe the line between politics and religious teachings, Wenski said that priests and other clergy do not need to shy away from politics, but should not show bias toward one political party over another. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clergy

• benefit of clergy

Kids 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