Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən How to pronounce Presbyterian (audio)
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 noun

Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Zoom out: Trump — who describes himself as Presbyterian — rarely talks about any religious experience or personal theology — beyond suggesting God may have saved him from a would-be assassin's bullet in July. Axios, 28 Oct. 2024 The federal government often contracted with Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopalian religious institutions to run the schools, in an effort to assimilate Native children into White American culture. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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 Team members represent six Presbyterian churches in Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz County. Lisa Thorn, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Presbyterian 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Presbyterian was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near Presbyterian

Cite this Entry

“Presbyterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Presbyterian. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Presbyterian

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