priest

noun

\ ˈprēst

Definition of priest

: one 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 clergyman ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about priest

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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 plaintiffs argued the system violated their First Amendment rights by not allowing Monroe, an Episcopal priest, to enter the encampment for emergency needs without a set schedule, and to provide pastor services. — The (aberdeen) Daily World, The Seattle Times, "Federal judge grants settlement for homeless advocates in lawsuit against Aberdeen," 20 Feb. 2019 The Jesuit priest submitted his resignation earlier this month, stipulating his last day will be May 24. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com, "Ohio Congress members question forced resignation of House of Representatives chaplain," 27 Apr. 2018 Some 200 people attended this year's course, both lay Catholics and priests. — Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, "Can You Get An Exorcism From a Catholic Priest Over the Phone?," 21 Apr. 2018 Father Brian MacGarry, an Irish Jesuit priest who works in the poorest parts of Harare, recalled encountering him at a meeting of revolutionary leaders in 1975, before independence. — Karan Mahajan, The New Republic, "After the Strongman," 26 Mar. 2018 Church leaders seem more concerned by such matters than by injustice and inequality, says Fernando Montes, a Jesuit priest and former rector of Alberto Hurtado University in Santiago. — The Economist, "In search of lost sheepChileans will be a tough crowd for Pope Francis," 11 Jan. 2018 On this day, priests and pastors smear ashes from the previous year's Palm Sunday palms on the attendees' foreheads. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "Here's How the Date of Easter Is Determined Each Year," 22 Feb. 2019 Each diocese disclosed its own list of priests and deacons, all of whom are either dead or no longer serve the church. — Joseph De Avila, WSJ, "New Jersey Catholic Dioceses Release Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Assault," 13 Feb. 2019 Until recently, only priests and males of high stature were allowed to strike the sacred taiko. — Kaila Contreras, Houston Chronicle, "Cole Branch Library in Crosby celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'priest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.