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.
Free advice could always be had from tavern keepers, clergymen, neighbors or parents. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Such details include McCartney’s bare feet and opposite stride and the other members’ attire (Lennon’s white supposedly represents a clergyman, Starr’s black a mourner, and Harrison’s denim a gravedigger). — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026 Three clergymen discovered a nearly complete Neanderthal skeleton in a cave in La Chapelle-aux-Saints, France. — USA Today, 21 July 2026 On Monday, at least a dozen Black clergymen threw their support behind Florida state Senator Shevrin Jones, who is running for the District 24 seat held by outgoing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 9 July 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

Rhymes for clergyman

See All Rhymes for clergyman

Browse Nearby Words

clergyable
clergyman
clergyman's sore throat
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Cite this Entry

“Clergyman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergyman. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clergyman

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

More from Merriam-Webster on clergyman

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clergyman

Nglish: Translation of clergyman for Spanish Speakers

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