parishioner

noun

pa·​rish·​ion·​er pə-ˈri-sh(ə-)nər How to pronounce parishioner (audio)
: a member or inhabitant of a parish

Examples of parishioner in a Sentence

the parishioners of First Baptist 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.
The archbishop’s leadership in Denver has faced criticism by Catholic parishioners who disagreed with his anti-LBGTQ policies and statements, or took issue with his more conservative values impacting local parishes. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025 In late May, a parishioner at Our Lady of the Visitation in Green Township complained to the archdiocese about pornographic websites showing up on a church computer. Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 16 Sep. 2025 Gaudí had planned for parishioners to enter through the façade depicting the history of humankind. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Three parishioners in their 80s were also wounded. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for parishioner

Word History

Etymology

Middle English parisshoner, probably modification of Anglo-French parochien, from paroche

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parishioner was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parishioner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parishioner. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

parishioner

noun
pa·​rish·​io·​ner
pə-ˈrish-(ə-)nər
: a member or resident of a parish

More from Merriam-Webster on parishioner

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