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

• 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

The boycott, which was spearheaded by black clergy, began in March. —Andrew Adam Newman, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025

He was further influenced after learning that the FBI often calls on priests, rabbis and other clergy members to counsel victims at mass-casualty events. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

The Madison Diocese concluded an investigation into clergy abuse in 2019, and released the names of seven men. —Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Now there are, of course, there's something called a parsonage exception where members of the clergy in the United States can exclude the value of their dwelling, but there's rules that go around with that. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 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