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 of priest

• 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

Nalwamba previously served as a priest at Resurrection Anglican Fellowship in Greenwood Village for approximately 15 years. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Traditionally, a karasunk was observed not only for birth and deaths but also for newlyweds and even for newly ordained priests. — Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, a coastal city 265 kilometers (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito, identified the priest as Patricio Sánchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Today, the Catholic church does not seem to want to talk about female priests. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

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"