Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən 

ˌpres-

: a member of a Presbyterian church

Presbyterian

2 of 2

adjective

1

often not capitalized : characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine

Presbyterianism

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

ˌpres-

noun

Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the 1980s, that same Tucson church, Southside Presbyterian, had been at the heart of a network of churches giving sanctuary to migrants from Central America who were under threat of deportation. —Bill Chappell, NPR, 26 Jan. 2025

This past May, the U.S. Attorney’s Office unsealed an indictment that said Chanell embezzled money from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church between 2013 and 2018. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025

Adjective

Voters who normally would cast ballots at Church of the Redeemer will be directed to the Knox Presbyterian location. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024

Hunter’s parents work for the Presbyterian church Hunter’s father is a minister, having served in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for more than 30 years. —Erica Marrison, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Presbyterian

adjective

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən,

ˌpres-

1

often not capitalized : having a system of representative governing councils of ministers and elders

2

: of, relating to, or being a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government

Presbyterian noun

Presbyterianism

-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun