prelate

noun

prel·​ate ˈpre-lət 

 also  ˈprē-ˌlāt

: an ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank

Examples of prelate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis dramatically reshaped the group of prelates who will soon cast their votes for his successor in front of Michelangelo’s fresco of The Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025

However, Panorama magazine maintained that the NSA picked up the prelates’ telephone conversations in the days preceding the conclave, giving them an idea of what might happen before the first vote. —Time, 7 May 2025

Parolin is an Italian prelate and one of the highest-ranking officials in the Roman Catholic Church. —Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

One of them was even circulated among his peers by Dolan, the US cardinal, despite church laws that say prelates must not publicly discuss possible papal candidates. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prelat, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praelatus, literally, one receiving preferment, from Latin (past participle of praeferre to prefer), from prae- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prelate

• domestic prelate

Rhymes for prelate

• chelate
• pellet
• zealot
• appellate

Kids Definition

prelate

noun

prel·​ate ˈprel-ət 

: a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)