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

Some of the turns of my own history—particularly a decision to train for ordination in the Anglican church in my twenties, and then to leave that training—began to enter the book in new and transformed ways. —Megan Hunter june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

The Women’s Ordination Conference lamented Francis’ unwillingness to push for the ordination of women. —Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Gamboa’s LinkedIn displays an ordination certificate from the seminary. —Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2025

McElroy had been San Diego’s first-ever cardinal and gained national attention because of his more progressive stances on a range of hot-button issues, including support for the ordination of women. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025

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