rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rectory, where Storey lives, is across the street and has a Prairie Village address. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025 An old rectory, Churchgate House, stood in for the home of Isobel (Penelope Wilton) and Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025 Many of England’s foremost scientists traveled to the Yorkshire village and stayed at the rectory. Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025 Among these were a man shooting and killing a priest outside a Kansas rectory, a person attempting to burn a cross outside of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Indiana, and an assailant ransacking a Wichita, Kansas, church to scrawl satanic imagery on its walls. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 30 Aug. 2025 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on rectory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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