1
often presbyterian
: characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine
Pres·by·te·ri·an·ism
-tēr-
plural -s
1
a
: the presbyterian form of church government
Presbyterianism declared to be the only lawful government—
A. C. McGiffert
A. C. McGiffert
b
: belief in or adherence to such church government
2
: the faith and polity of the Presbyterian Church
especially
: the principles of Presbyterians including the right of all members of the church to share in its government exercised through elders chosen or approved by them, the recognition of only one order in the Christian ministry with all members equal and exercising all ministerial functions, and the unity of the whole church expressed in a graded system of church courts composed of ministers and elders
3
: the whole body of Presbyterian churches
Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
According to the university, the nickname was coined in the 1940s by Lonnie McMillian, the head coach of nearby rival Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.
—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
In the early 19th century, Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham promoted a restrained lifestyle led by a high-fiber, vegetarian diet.
—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for Presbyterian
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Noun
Proceeds support Sycamore Presbyterian Preschool, Lesotho Nutrition Initiative and Hope's Closet.
—
Caroline Ritzie,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
According to the university, the nickname was coined in the 1940s by Lonnie McMillian, the head coach of nearby rival Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.
—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Among the parents challenging the law are two Jewish rabbis, a Jewish cantor, a Presbyterian reverend and a Baptist pastor.
—
Jenna Sundel
gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
In the early 19th century, Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham promoted a restrained lifestyle led by a high-fiber, vegetarian diet.
—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for Presbyterian
Cite this Entry
“Presbyterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Presbyterian. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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