: an ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank
Examples of prelate in a Sentence
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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.
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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
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
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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
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
See All Example Sentences for prelate
Cite this Entry
“Prelate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelate. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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prelate
noun
prel·ate
ˈprel-ət 
: a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)
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