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
• episcopate

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

Each campus is maintaining its name, religious services and clergy. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025

The clergy asked them to be ready to defend their neighbors in the coming days. —Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

In Los Angeles, federal agents have detained clergy and journalists. —Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025

Archbishop Mepham was almost certainly displeased after hearing about the indictment of one of his own clergy. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 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