deacon

noun

dea·​con ˈdē-kən 

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

Synonyms

• clergyperson
• cleric
• clerical
• clerk
• divine
• dominie
• ecclesiastic
• minister
• preacher
• priest
• reverend

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

Declining giving and church attendance are a national phenomenon, but some on the board of deacons saw it as an existential threat. —Frank Langfitt, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025

There were rabbis, imams, bishops and deacons from across the city, reflecting the diversity of the victims and New Orleans. —Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

As a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Grove City, Woody served as a deacon, usher, adult Sunday School teacher and superintendent. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

The Catholic Church doesn’t allow women to be bishops, priests or deacons. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing deacon

• deacon's bench

Rhymes for deacon

• beacon
• weaken
• archdeacon
• mohican

Kids Definition

deacon

noun

dea·​con ˈdē-kən 

1

: a member of the Christian clergy next below a priest

2

: a church member in various Christian churches who has special duties