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

Leaders envision a campus that will eventually include a larger church, classrooms, residences for priests and teaching sisters, a cemetery and a school. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

And the archdiocese is in the midst of a criminal case involving a former Leawood priest. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Part of the Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sheikh Abd El-Qurna cemetery is known for its concentration of tombs of priests and high-ranking officials from Egypt’s New Kingdom (1570–1069 BCE). — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

But Laurino told us, the demand from eager American Catholics grew so fast that Monsignor Landi sent local priests to scour the countryside for more children. — Bill Whitaker, CBS News, 12 July 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"