ordination
noun
or·di·na·tion
ˌȯr-də-ˈnā-shən 
: the act or an instance of ordaining : the state of being ordained
Examples of ordination in a Sentence
He is a candidate for ordination.
After his ordination, he will be assigned to a local parish.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Rabbanut exams test halachic knowledge, but so do semikha (ordination) exams administered outside the rabbinate’s system, including those of Yeshivat Maharat, Yeshiva University and Ohr Torah Stone.
—
Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
The church has also consistently taken a conservative stance on the issue of homosexuality, specifically rejecting both same-sex unions and the ordination of members of the LGBTQ+ community, placing it at odds with some other members of the Anglican Communion.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Not all communities recognize women’s ordination, and this could translate into resistance to the new Archbishop as well.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Modern Catholic teachings do not express this attitude directly, but some Catholic feminists argue that views of women’s blood pollution still influence the church’s position against women’s ordination.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordination
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.
Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
The church has also consistently taken a conservative stance on the issue of homosexuality, specifically rejecting both same-sex unions and the ordination of members of the LGBTQ+ community, placing it at odds with some other members of the Anglican Communion.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Not all communities recognize women’s ordination, and this could translate into resistance to the new Archbishop as well.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Modern Catholic teachings do not express this attitude directly, but some Catholic feminists argue that views of women’s blood pollution still influence the church’s position against women’s ordination.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ordination
Cite this Entry
“Ordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordination. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ordination
noun
or·di·na·tion
ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən
: the act of ordaining : the state of being ordained
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
