clergyman

noun

cler·​gy·​man ˈklər-jē-mən How to pronounce clergyman (audio)
plural clergymen
Synonyms of clergymannext
: a member of the clergy

Examples of clergyman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kalina was one of 11 clergymen who were charged by Attorney General Dana Nessel's clergy abuse investigation team. Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Robin, our hero, is the son of a country clergyman. John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 The trio of vicars starts with James Norton as Sidney Chambers, the doe-eyed clergyman with a taste for cool jazz and clever women. Pat Saperstein, Variety, 14 June 2026 From the altar, the priest—whom a fellow clergyman introduced as being el Ĉinio, or from China—delivered the readings, blessed the Eucharist, and invited us to interŝanĝi the sign of the paco. Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clergyman

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clergyman was circa 1513

Cite this Entry

“Clergyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergyman. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

clergyman

noun
cler·​gy·​man ˈklər-ji-mən How to pronounce clergyman (audio)
: a member of the clergy

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