rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
Synonyms of rectorynext
1
: a benefice held by a rector
2
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

Examples of rectory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past. Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026 The property also comes with a guesthouse — the former rectory — which has been reconfigured as a two-bedroom, one-bath ADU-ish bonus. Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026 The church, the school, and the rest of the campus — which published reports say also included a rectory, a convent, and an annex — were left vacant. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 Eleven young Tennysons spilled out of the Somersby rectory—seven boys and four girls, with Alfred third from the top. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectory was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Rectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectory. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rectory

noun
rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

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