priest

noun

ˈprēst 

plural priests

: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God

specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyperson ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

Synonyms

• preacher
• cleric
• clergyman
• bishop
• minister
• deacon
• pastor
• reverend
• clerical

Examples of priest in a Sentence

He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.

searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism

Recent Examples on the Web

The merging of the modern and traditional is an effort to help people find God in a new way, said Reverend Jason Roberson, the head priest at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, and to mark the church’s entry into a new century. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

In 1981, James Reyos, a gay Apache man, was wrongly convicted of murdering a priest. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025

Before the interview with the governor, NPR met with a priest, Michael Pfleger. —Steve Inskeep, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025

The third Knives Out entry finds the southern-drawler in a small town, where young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor) has just arrived to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). —Shania Russell, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing priest

• high priest
• priest-ridden
• worker-priest

Rhymes for priest

• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• least
• pieced
• yeast

Kids Definition

priest

noun

ˈprēst 

: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies

Etymology

Old English prēost "priest," derived from Latin presbyter "priest, elder," from Greek presbyteros, comparative form of presbys "old man, elder"