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

The Reverend Leah Daughtry is national presiding prelate of The House of the Lord Churches, co-convenor of Power Rising, author, and political strategist, having served as chief of staff of the DNC, CEO of the 2008 and 2016 Democratic Conventions, and an at-large member of the DNC. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

In the first half of the 20th Century, European powers commonly worked to influence the conclave ballots through their prelates and ambassadors. —Time, 7 May 2025

The other eight cardinals are from all over the U.S. Raymond Cardinal Burke, an American cardinal prelate who was appointed as cardinal by Benedict XVI, is known as a traditionalist. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 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)