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

Attorneys for the clergy members have argued that the visits have not strained operations at the facility, which processes local immigrants before they are sent to longer-term detention centers out of state. —Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Several community leaders and clergy members opposed the project during a public hearing prior to the vote. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026

The task force — made up of civic leaders, legal experts, clergy, and community representatives — spent months reviewing research and hearing from residents. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026

Leo’s decision to restore the prominent place of priests during the ritual is both a return to tradition and a gesture consistent with what seems to be his effort to encourage Catholic clergy and reinforce his appreciation of their service. —ABC News, 2 Apr. 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