prefect
noun
pre·fect
ˈprē-ˌfekt 
1
: any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome
2
: a chief officer or chief magistrate
3
: a student monitor in a usually private school
Examples of prefect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He was born in Chicago, Illinois and was appointed as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in 2023.
—
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
At the same time he was appointed as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations and one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church.
—Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Prevost, who’s also a Peruvian citizen, was considered a main contender for the papacy due to his close relationship with Francis and his appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key leadership role within the Roman Curia.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from across the globe, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefect
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Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
At the same time he was appointed as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations and one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church.
—Katie Primm, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Prevost, who’s also a Peruvian citizen, was considered a main contender for the papacy due to his close relationship with Francis and his appointment as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a key leadership role within the Roman Curia.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025
In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, which oversees the selection of new bishops from across the globe, and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefect
Cite this Entry
“Prefect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefect. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prefect
noun
pre·fect
ˈprē-ˌfekt
1
: a high official or judge (as of ancient Rome or France)
2
: a student assistant in some schools
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