clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The case, filed by journalists, media organizations, clergy and local residents, claims federal agents used tear gas, pepper balls and other force to intimidate peaceful demonstrators and reporters covering immigration enforcement operations. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Newly released 911 transcripts reveal the fear and chaos that gripped students, staff and clergy inside a Minneapolis church when a gunman clad in tactical gear opened fire on them in August. Michael Dorgan , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025 Additionally, all clergy, employees and teachers must complete trainings and receive monthly continuing education. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Borges’ and Rengel’s arrests inspired a group of Dallas clergy to gather outside the city’s immigration facility to pray for them, said Mara Richards Bim, one of the group’s leaders. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clergy

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clergy was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

clergy

noun
cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
plural clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services

More from Merriam-Webster on clergy

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