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

But Wolfgang Rothe — a priest and scholar of canon law — says this charge is often pitted at critics within the church. —Esme Nicholson, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

The blockbuster — which follows a treasure hunter who accidentally awakens a cursed Egyptian priest with supernatural powers — also cemented Fraser as a bankable action hero. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

Monsignor Angelo Cioffi was the priest who spearheaded the campaign to construct Regina Pacis back in the forties, with generous assistance from Joe Profaci. —Susan Mulcahy, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

Often affiliated with the state and temples, these people were typically royalty, high-level bureaucrats and priests. —Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 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"