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

There’s a security company founder, the leader of the local NAACP and a clergy person, too. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025

Testimony in opposition included transgender individuals, family members and clergy. —Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025

Futterman argued that federal agents have repeatedly used tear gas and pepper spray against non-violent protesters, clergy or members of the press throughout the eight weeks since the Chicago-area immigration enforcement campaign known as Operation Midway Blitz began. —Nbc Chicago, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2025

Magomo said the bishops directed him and other top administrators to gather clergy and lay leaders in their districts for seminars on how to explain regionalization to parishioners. —Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Nov. 2025

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