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
Explore Merriam-Webster
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 of priest from the Web
-
Providence Heights College was built in 1961 by the Sisters of Providence, a Catholic organization, to give nuns the same education opportunities as priests.
-
Robert Parker, the high priest of wine critics (Wine Advocate) gave the 2013 Cabernet a 100 point score — the first time in the history of this property.
-
Bonaventura Aliotti — a priest and organist who was born in Palermo, Sicily, and spent most of his life there — merits a mere two paragraphs and a modest work list in the 29-volume New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
-
During the sacramental rite, a priest anointed them with oil and invoked the Holy Spirit.
-
A colleague of Suganob confirmed to The Associated Press that the man in the video is the priest.
-
A colleague of Mr. Suganob confirmed to The Associated Press that the man in the video is the priest.
-
A priest and several worshippers were taken hostage.
-
A priest walks in front of St. Samuel the Confessor monastery in Maghagha, about 220 kilometers (140 miles) south of Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, May 27, 2017.
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.
Origin and Etymology of priest
Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter
First Known Use: before 12th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
PRIEST Defined for English Language Learners
priest
playDefinition of priest for English Language Learners
-
: a person who has the authority to lead or perform ceremonies in some religions and especially in some Christian religions
PRIEST Defined for Kids
priest
playDefinition of priest for Students
: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies
Learn More about priest
-
See words that rhyme with priest Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for priest Spanish Central: Translation of priest Nglish: Translation of priest for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of priest for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priest
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up priest? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!