deacon

noun

dea·​con ˈdē-kən How to pronounce deacon (audio)
plural deacons
: a subordinate officer in a Christian church: such as
a
: a Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox cleric ranking next below a priest
b
: one of the laity elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees
c
: a Mormon in the lowest grade of the Aaronic priesthood

Examples of deacon in a Sentence

my cousin was married by his uncle, who is also a deacon in his church
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.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac designed the liturgical vestments worn by bishops, priests and deacons to be used during mass, which made their public debut at the celebration. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024 After retiring from Hudson's in 2009, but still serving as mayor, Roberts became an Episcopal deacon in 2010. M.l. Elrick, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024 Deacon Dean Dobbins was named as the temporary administrator, but in Monday's statement, Brennan said Dobbins the deacon was relieved after he was alleged to have used racist and offensive language during a recorded private conversation. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024 The second-oldest of four children born to Sharon, a teacher, and Larry, a Catholic deacon, Palmer, 31, whose birth name is Lauren, grew up in a small town outside Chicago. Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deacon 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dekene, from Old English dēacon, from Late Latin diaconus, from Greek diakonos, literally, servant, from dia- + -konos (akin to enkonein to be active); perhaps akin to Latin conari to attempt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deacon was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near deacon

Cite this Entry

“Deacon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deacon. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

deacon

noun
dea·​con ˈdē-kən How to pronounce deacon (audio)
1
: a member of the Christian clergy next below a priest
2
: a church member in various Christian churches who has special duties

More from Merriam-Webster on deacon

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