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

Jason Cook, associate rabbi, Temple Beth Am, Miami Cook spent three years as a congregant and day school parent before joining Beth Am’s clergy team this summer. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Other celebrities have provided support for Wells' family, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL player Terrell Owens, along with many prominent Black clergy members. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

Idaho clergy members told the Idaho Statesman this was a complicated, difficult and painful conversation. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Jones has received endorsements from at least a dozen Black clergy. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 July 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