ordains; ordained; ordaining
1
: to officially make (someone) a minister, priest, rabbi, etc.
He was ordained (as) a priest.
She is an ordained minister.
2
formal
: to officially establish or order (something)
We the people … do ordain and establish this constitution…—
U.S. Constitution (1787)
U.S. Constitution (1787)The process was ordained by law.
—sometimes used figurativelyIt's futile to try to avoid what destiny has ordained.
Cite this Entry
“Ordain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ordain. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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