monsignor

noun

mon·​si·​gnor män-ˈsē-nyər 

mən-

plural monsignors or monsignori ˌmän-ˌsēn-ˈyȯr-ē 

: a Roman Catholic prelate having a dignity or titular distinction (as of domestic prelate or protonotary apostolic) usually conferred by the pope

—used as a title prefixed to the surname or to the given name and surname

monsignorial

ˌmän-ˌsēn-ˈyȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

Examples of monsignor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This go around, Blanc (Daniel Craig) descends on an upstate New York town to solve the murder of a domineering and hate-spewing monsignor (Brolin). —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 29 Nov. 2025

The plot revolves around a young priest (Josh O'Connor) who's accused of killing the monsignor (Josh Brolin). —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Set in a small town in upstate New York, Wake Up Dead Man stars close as Margaret Delacroix, the manager of a church and close ally of fiery monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who’s murdered during an Easter Week service. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025

What to know about the monsignor chosen by the Pope. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian monsignore, from French monseigneur

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for monsignor

• consignor
• senior

Kids Definition

monsignor

noun

mon·​si·​gnor män-ˈsē-nyər 

mən-

plural monsignors or monsignori ˌmän-ˈsēn-ˈyōr-ē 

-ˈyȯr-

—used as a title for Roman Catholic priests