clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē 

plural clergies

1

: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church

Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

2

: the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion

Buddhist clergy

Synonyms

• church
• cloth
• first estate
• ministry
• spirituality
• spiritualty

Examples of clergy in a Sentence

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

a member of the clergy

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, Sociologist Rodolfo Soriano Nuñez told CNN Prevost was one of the few bishops in Peru who actively worked to support victims of clergy abuse. —Kc Baker, People.com, 9 May 2025

Influencers wore paper skull caps to mimic Catholic cardinals and video compilations of clergy were mixed with Charli XCX audio. —Mariel Padilla, Them., 8 May 2025

These words, which reverberated worldwide, set a very different tone from the previous relationship the Church had with gay clergy and members. —Shantel Guzman, CBS News, 6 May 2025

Cuomo made overtures to Black clergy, to the city’s most influential unions, to staunchly pro-Israel Jewish voters. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clergy

• benefit of clergy

Kids Definition

clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē 

plural clergies

: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services