priest

noun

plural priests
Synonyms of priestnext
: 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

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
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.
Leo met Thursday with German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who — despite Fernández's letter — recently recommended that priests in his archdiocese use the German guidelines as a basis for their pastoral care. ABC News, 9 May 2026 Leo met Thursday with German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who — despite Fernández’s letter — recently recommended that priests in his archdiocese use the German guidelines as a basis for their pastoral care. Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 After deciding to become a priest, Hopkins burned all his poems and vowed to give up writing, but his Jesuit superior, as well as his own study of Welsh language and literature, encouraged him to return to his art. René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026 The call for state funding is championed by Father Manny Alvarez, a priest at the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, who described the effort as a personal mission. Marybel Rodriguez, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priest

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of priest was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

priest

noun
: 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on priest

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster