ordination

noun

or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯr-də-ˈnā-shən 

: the act or an instance of ordaining : the state of being ordained

Examples of ordination in a Sentence

He is a candidate for ordination.

After his ordination, he will be assigned to a local parish.

Recent Examples on the Web

The July 2 decree said the two bishops leading the unauthorized ordination, held in Switzerland on July 1, had been excommunicated, along with the four priests who had become new bishops, which was widely expected. — Joshua McElwee, USA Today, 2 July 2026

While the pope has appealed to the society not to go ahead with the ordinations of bishops, the group is well-advanced with its preparations. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

Cardinal Blaise Cupich presided over the ordination. — Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 20 June 2026

There are nearly 23,000 active Catholic parishes — but new priestly ordinations haven't started to bounce back. — ABC News, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ordination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

ordination

noun

or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən 

: the act of ordaining : the state of being ordained