priestess

noun

priest·​ess ˈprē-stəs 

1

: a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion

2

: a woman regarded as a leader (as of a movement)

Examples of priestess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Women and girls in all corners of this world are accustomed to, and even expect, danger, including the priestess of Athena (Zendaya) whom Odysseus’ men behead during their sack of Troy. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026

My own outlook changed after a priestess told me to keep an altar to bring offerings to my ancestors. — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

The Rat Queen is Riley Pinkerton, mild-mannered doom priestess and Brooklyn artist, whose musical and visual dreams fuel her band’s raging odyssey. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Centuries ago, people throughout the Mediterranean region came to consult it via the Pythia or priestess to see what the Greek god Apollo had to say about their future. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing priestess

• high priestess

Kids Definition

priestess

noun

priest·​ess ˈprē-stəs 

: a woman who is a priest