priesthood

noun

priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d 

ˈprē-ˌstu̇d

1

: the office, dignity, or character of a priest

2

: the whole body of priests

3

: elite sense 1

the priesthood of the art world

Synonyms

• aristocracy
• elite
• best
• elect
• society

Examples of priesthood in a Sentence

an ancient civilization that was ruled by a priesthood

What is the influence of the priesthood in today's society?

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail. —Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Black men also were banned from ordained priesthood. —Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis joined the Catholic priesthood at 18 and rose up the ranks of the Argentine clergy. —Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025

Back in the 1980s, Nicanor Palacios was an altar boy with Leo during his early priesthood in nearby Piura, and traveled the area with him for services. —Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing priesthood

• entering the priesthood
• leave the priesthood
• the priesthood

Kids Definition

priesthood

noun

priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d 

ˈprē-ˌstu̇d

1

: the office or dignity of a priest

2

: the whole group of priests