parish

noun

par·​ish ˈper-ish How to pronounce parish (audio)
ˈpa-rish
1
a(1)
: the ecclesiastical unit of area committed to one pastor
(2)
: the residents of such an area
b
British : a subdivision of a county often coinciding with an original ecclesiastical parish and constituting the unit of local government
2
: a local church community composed of the members or constituents of a Protestant church
3
: a civil division of the state of Louisiana corresponding to a county in other states

Examples of parish in a Sentence

The parish will be getting a new priest soon. The parish has grown significantly in the last three years.
Recent Examples on the Web Today, the congregation practices its healing mission in community and home health programs, health clinics, hospices, hospitals, parishes and retreat centers around the globe. Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2024 Technically, the change in the celebration is a recommendation; individual parishes are deciding when to mark the holiday. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2023 In the meantime, the parish is still active, with Mass being held in the parish hall. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Our efforts have been joined by representatives of other Catholic parishes in a number of states who have similar relationships with parishes and other agencies in Haiti. Joe Cirasuolo, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2024 Hillar Moore, the chief prosecutor in East Baton Rouge parish, believes prosecutors need to be able to pursue longer sentences against juveniles accused of violent behavior. Tim Craig, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2024 The advisory outlines specific crime risk areas in 12 of Jamaica’s 14 parishes. Marnie Hunter, CNN, 29 Jan. 2024 Schools in Louisiana's St. James, St. Charles and Jefferson parishes will dismiss early on Monday due to the looming severe weather. Max Golembo, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2024 Israel has justified the attack, claiming the presence of a missile launcher in the parish. Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parisshe, from Anglo-French paroche, parosse, from Late Latin parochia, from Late Greek paroikia, from paroikos Christian, from Greek, stranger, from para- + oikos house — more at vicinity

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of parish was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near parish

Cite this Entry

“Parish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parish. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

parish

noun
par·​ish ˈpar-ish How to pronounce parish (audio)
1
a
: a section of a church district in the care of a priest or minister
b
: the persons who live in and attend the church of such a section
2
: the members of a church
3
: a division of the state of Louisiana that is similar to a county in other states

Legal Definition

parish

noun
par·​ish ˈpar-ish How to pronounce parish (audio)
: a civil division of the state of Louisiana corresponding to a county in other states
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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