cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
Synonyms of clericnext
: a member of the clergy

Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified
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.
The republic has been ruled by clerics since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Max Burman, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026 With Hicks, Leo is appointing a cleric who seems both like himself and distinctly different from the boisterous Cardinal Dolan. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026 The men will join a long procession of clerics in the walk to the main altar. Tony Aiello, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 As part of the ceremony, a cleric announced that no one had raised legitimate opposition to Mullally’s confirmation. Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy

More from Merriam-Webster on cleric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster