SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

starets

noun
Save Word
sta·​rets | \ ˈstär-əts How to pronounce starets (audio) , -yəts \
plural startsy\ ˈstärt-​sē How to pronounce starets (audio) \

Definition of starets

: a spiritual director or religious teacher in the Eastern Orthodox Church specifically : a spiritual adviser who is not necessarily a priest, who is recognized for his piety, and who is turned to by monks or laymen for spiritual guidance

First Known Use of starets

1729, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for starets

Russian, from staryĭ old — more at stour

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about starets

Time Traveler for starets

Time Traveler

The first known use of starets was in 1729

See more words from the same year

Statistics for starets

Cite this Entry

“Starets.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/starets. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

More from Merriam-Webster on starets

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about starets

Comments on starets

What made you want to look up starets? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

smorgasbord

Listen to the pronunciation of smorgasbord

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games