clergy

noun

cler·gy | \ ˈklər-jē

plural clergies

Definition of clergy

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about clergy

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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

The Queen handed out Maundy money to a group of senior citizens, who'd been recommended by clergy from all denominations for their service to their communities and churches. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "For a Joint Appearance with Queen Elizabeth, Princess Eugenie Rewears a Floral Erdem Dress," 18 Apr. 2019 Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability, an online database about clergy abuse, said any law that protects even a single child is to be applauded. — Nicole Winfield, The Seattle Times, "Pope requires sex abuse claims be reported in Vatican City," 30 Mar. 2019 The little princess entered the event hand-in-hand with dad Prince William (awww), who helped her navigate how to properly greet the members of the clergy. — Zoe Weiner, Allure, "Princess Charlotte Switched Her Hair to a Middle Part and It Looks Utterly Adorable," 9 July 2018 Allah, a New Yorker, films residents of Jamaica, his mother’s home country—prostitutes and street people, merchants and members of the clergy (including the filmmaker’s grandfather, a minister)—with a diverse and collage-like artistry. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, "At New Directors/New Films, a Cinema of Civic Life," 23 Mar. 2018 Photo: Associated Press Shah initiates White Revolution, a series of economic, social and land reforms, angering the clergy by diminishing its influence and sparking protests spearheaded by Ruhollah Khomeini. — Sune Engel Rasmussen, WSJ, "Iran Vows to Continue Military Expansion Despite U.S. Threats," 11 Feb. 2019 At a news conference Tuesday outlining Beijing’s approach, a government spokesman said the Vatican would never be allowed control over the clergy in China. — Ian Johnson, BostonGlobe.com, "China Bans Online Bible Sales as It Tightens Religious Controls," 5 Apr. 2018 The United Methodist Church voted last week to uphold its rule that clergy remain celibate if single or monogamous if married. — Mark Tooley, WSJ, "The African Future of ‘America’s Church’," 7 Mar. 2019 Her most extensive experience is dealing with clergy abuse. — Natalie Andrews, WSJ, "Sex-Crimes Prosecutor: Claims From Ford Against Judge Kavanaugh Lack Sufficient Evidence," 1 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.