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

For instance, Orthodox Judaism, a branch of the religion that more strictly adheres to Jewish law, doesn’t typically allow female clergy. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, a clergy member was at the foot of the gurney beside him. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026

Earlier this year, its clergy and staff underwent active shooter prevention and preparedness training, according to a post on Temple Israel's Facebook page. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

And in January, Temple Israel's staff and clergy participated in an active shooter prevention and preparedness training lead by an FBI official, according to the synagogue's social media accounts. —ABC News, 14 Mar. 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