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, who has promised to keep Francis' signature policies such as welcoming gay Catholics and discussing women's ordination, echoed his predecessor's frequent criticisms of the global economic system during his remarks on Tuesday. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Excess vitamin A can cause severe headaches, blurred vision and problems with co-ordination. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 2 Jan. 2026

Authority is no longer synonymous with ordination. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Passing does not make someone an ordained rabbi; ordination is conferred through private rabbis and schools, and most Orthodox communities do not recognize female rabbis. —Michal Raucher, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 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