Definition of clergy
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
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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 of clergy from the Web
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Before Tuesday’s arrests, a group comprising doctors, health care workers, clergy and others marched through the hallways and gathered near the offices of House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger, where other protesters sat outside.
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Tot Shabbat services precede general Shabbat morning services at 11 a.m. Young children sing along with clergy, hear stories, and receive special blessings.
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After the visit at the factory, Francis met with clergy at the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.
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David and Carolyn Roper co-direct the work of Idaho Mountain Ministries, a ministry of clergy care.
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The event includes inspirational readings and music with participation by area clergy.
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Guests and clergy exited through the main doors and walked around the perimeter of the sanctuary to the future site of the Blessed Sacrament chapel.
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Kentucky’s clergy will soon be able to pack heat under their vestments.
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.
Origin and Etymology of clergy
Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
CLERGY Defined for English Language Learners
clergy
playDefinition of clergy for English Language Learners
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: people (such as priests) who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services
CLERGY Defined for Kids
clergy
playDefinition of clergy for Students
clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, and rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to lead religious services
Learn More about clergy
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clergy Spanish Central: Translation of clergy Nglish: Translation of clergy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clergy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clergy
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