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
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
Within the faith there’s no real hierarchy; there are no popes, priests or clergy.
—
Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
In an interview with Vatican News, the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family, the only Roman Catholic church in Gaza, says Pope Francis has called from the hospital at 8 p.m. Gaza time every night.
—Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025
Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop in a Roman Catholic Connecticut diocese, choosing a longtime priest from the Diocese of Worcester, according to the Vatican.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2025
The actor recurred as Father Lonigan, the blind priest who had premonitions of evil, in Passions during its nine-season run.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 9 Feb. 2025
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Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
In an interview with Vatican News, the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family, the only Roman Catholic church in Gaza, says Pope Francis has called from the hospital at 8 p.m. Gaza time every night.
—Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025
Pope Francis has appointed a new bishop in a Roman Catholic Connecticut diocese, choosing a longtime priest from the Diocese of Worcester, according to the Vatican.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2025
The actor recurred as Father Lonigan, the blind priest who had premonitions of evil, in Passions during its nine-season run.
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for priest
Dictionary Entries Near priest
Cite this Entry
“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
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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"
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