1
: the people of a religious faith as distinguished from its clergy
The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
2
: the mass of the people as distinguished from those of a particular profession or those specially skilled
writers who can interpret this wholeness both to their colleagues and the laity—
P. B. Sears
P. B. Sears
Examples of laity in a Sentence
a member of the laity
The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
Recent Examples on the Web
The event, which drew roughly 80 clergy and laity from across the Central Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Arkansas, was held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway.
—Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
Delegates are to be seated at round tables, with around a dozen laity and clergy mixed together in the Vatican’s big auditorium.
—Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, 20 June 2023
The position is currently held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the head of the Vatican’s laity office.
—Nicole Winfield, ajc, 7 June 2023
Then and Now, by Aggacitta Bhikkhu, is an international celebration during which the Buddhist community of monks, nuns, novices and laity meet to participate in meritorious activities each year after the rainy season in Thailand, observed as Vassa (often referred to as Buddhist Lent).
—Steven Lindsey, Dallas News, 22 Oct. 2020
Many guests were also invited as observers, which included prominent Catholic laity and representatives from other Christian churches.
—Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2022
See More
Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
Delegates are to be seated at round tables, with around a dozen laity and clergy mixed together in the Vatican’s big auditorium.
—Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, 20 June 2023
The position is currently held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the head of the Vatican’s laity office.
—Nicole Winfield, ajc, 7 June 2023
Then and Now, by Aggacitta Bhikkhu, is an international celebration during which the Buddhist community of monks, nuns, novices and laity meet to participate in meritorious activities each year after the rainy season in Thailand, observed as Vassa (often referred to as Buddhist Lent).
—Steven Lindsey, Dallas News, 22 Oct. 2020
Many guests were also invited as observers, which included prominent Catholic laity and representatives from other Christian churches.
—Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'laity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of laity was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near laity
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laity. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
laity
noun
la·ity
ˈlā-ət-ē 
plural laities
1
: the people of a religious faith who are not members of its clergy
2
: persons not of a particular profession
More from Merriam-Webster on laity
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for laity
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laity
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