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

Asked about the clergy’s ideal vision of ICE, Perry referenced a meeting of clergy leaders with Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro earlier this month. —Emilia Otte, Hartford Courant, 19 Feb. 2026

The access was the result of a recent court order that ruled Roman Catholic clergy members be allowed to minister to detainees at the Broadview facility on the day of prayer, which marks the start of Lent — the most penitential season of the year for Catholics and many other Christians. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Sadly, legislators, federal, state, local, the media, academia, clergy have all lost standing in American society. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2026

Decades later, generations of young people who watched his historic campaigns or learned about his career have become veteran activists, clergy members, civic leaders and lawmakers. —Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 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