as in church
the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.
a member of the laity The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of laity
Examples of some of these key changes under Francis were revised procedures for an assembly of bishops known as a synod by allowing women and laity to participate, and his appointment of women to lead certain Vatican agencies.
—
Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Young Catholics penned an open letter reminding cardinals that there is no church without young people, women and the laity.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
But the next pope will also lead a U.S. laity with some differences within it.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Liam Adams, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Young Catholics penned an open letter reminding cardinals that there is no church without young people, women and the laity.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
But the next pope will also lead a U.S. laity with some differences within it.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
-
The church will have an alternative menu of mac and cheese or cheese pizza.—
Lucia Cheng,
Des Moines Register,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Contrary to popular belief, Lent is not exclusively observed by Catholics, but is also practiced by Orthodox Christians and Protestants, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and some Evangelical churches.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hundreds of community members gathered outside of the Melrose Park parish for the Mass, which was followed by a candlelit procession.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Eckman wrote that the parish's mission remains unchanged and that the move will better resource the parish.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
So, instead, Roberts and the church’s small but mighty congregation of 30 carry on Second Baptist Church’s oral tradition.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Avian influenza viruses continue to spread in wild bird populations, Cennimo said, and transmission can be amplified by close congregations of birds.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
