cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
: a member of the clergy

Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In May 2023, Attorney General Kwame Raoul published a 696-page report, which found that over about seven decades, at least 1,997 children have been abused by 451 Catholic clerics and religious brothers across the state’s dioceses. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025 Catholic clerics and laity have faithfully gathered each night in St. Peter’s Square to recite the rosary for the sake of the pope, being led in their prayer by members of the College of Cardinals. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Mar. 2025 Hardline Muslim clerics and their religious police have been sidelined. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025 He was elected leader of the armed group in 1992 as a 32-year-old cleric. Cnn Staff, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy

More from Merriam-Webster on cleric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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