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

This will give other clergy and religious people a way to pray for the new archbishop and the diocese. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026

The branding is bright and modern, as is the restaurant, which was pretty empty save a couple of clergy members enjoying their tacos. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026

Some clergy members joined protests, but the church largely shied from similar action at the highest levels. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026

And for many activists, including the clergy who poured into Minneapolis, religious values are central to their willingness to stand up for citizens targeted by ICE. —David W. Stowe, The Conversation, 3 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