priest

noun

ˈprēst 

plural priests

: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God

specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyperson ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

Synonyms of priest

• preacher
• cleric
• clergyman
• bishop
• minister
• deacon
• pastor
• reverend
• clerical

Examples of priest in a Sentence

He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.

searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism

Recent Examples on the Web

There haven’t been any female popes, cardinals, archbishops or priests. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Even a local Catholic priest launched a holy war against the school over its new athletic facility. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026

So it was left to her to become one of the 15% of Shinto priests who are female. — Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026

In Maryland, a Salvadoran mother signed legal papers naming Father Vidal Rivas, the priest at her local church, as temporary guardian of her 7-year-old son if she and her husband were deported. — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing priest

• high priest
• priest-ridden
• worker-priest

Rhymes for priest

• beast
• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• least
• pieced
• yeast

Kids Definition

priest

noun

ˈprēst 

: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies

Etymology

Old English prēost "priest," derived from Latin presbyter "priest, elder," from Greek presbyteros, comparative form of presbys "old man, elder"