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

Rather than have a handful of prelates talk about the encyclical at a Vatican press conference, Leo himself presided over the presentation. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

The group was founded in 1970 in Switzerland by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, a French prelate, but five years later was officially suppressed by the Bishop of Fribourg. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

In our post-religious era—in which, beneath the cloak of secular humanitarianism, righteous religiosity and virtuous crusading remain as potent as ever—history has attained the authority, authenticity and prestige that religion and its prelates once possessed. — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

In roughly 33 hours over the course of two days, the diverse group of international prelates elected Prevost on the fourth ballot. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

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)