rector

noun

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər 

1

: one that directs : leader

2

a

: a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish

b

: an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights

c

: a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties

3

: the head of a university or school

rectorate

ˈrek-t(ə-)rət 

noun

rectorial

rek-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

rectorship

ˈrek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of rector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Marcia, along with the late Rev. J. Kenneth Major, then rector of The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, were among several community leaders who played a pivotal role in helping to calm the community during the unrest. —Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025

The church’s rector, also a slaveholder, was very concerned with converting Black and Indigenous Bostonians. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025

Mayall was also a rector for Holy Name Cathedral beginning in January 2002. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

There will be an Anglican funeral service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, Va at 11:00 am on December 21, 2024, officiated by her pastor, The Rev. Jonathan Kell, rector of Church of Our Saviour, Oatlands. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rector

• hector
• lector
• nectar
• sector
• specter
• spectre
• vector
• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector

Kids Definition

rector

noun

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər 

1

: a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish

2

: the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses

3

: the head of a university or school