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

Leo has said little about other major social and cultural issues that have animated the emergent Catholic right, especially inclusion for LGBTQ+ Catholics and women’s ordination as deacons. —Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025

After his ordination, Prevost went to work as a missionary Peru. —May 8, CBS News, 9 May 2025

Advocates for women’s ordination sent pink smoke signals Wednesday over the Vatican to demand that women be allowed to be priests and participate in a conclave. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025

Francis maintained the ban on women’s ordination as priests and deacons, something which disappointed those keen to see women in more visible church leadership roles, but insisted that decision-making and leadership doesn’t depend on whether someone is ordained. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 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