Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən 

ˌpres-

: a member of a Presbyterian church

Presbyterian

2 of 2

adjective

1

often not capitalized : characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine

Presbyterianism

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

ˌpres-

noun

Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Zoom out: Trump — who describes himself as Presbyterian — rarely talks about any religious experience or personal theology — beyond suggesting God may have saved him from a would-be assassin's bullet in July. —Axios, 28 Oct. 2024

The federal government often contracted with Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopalian religious institutions to run the schools, in an effort to assimilate Native children into White American culture. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 25 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Hunter’s parents work for the Presbyterian church Hunter’s father is a minister, having served in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for more than 30 years. —Erica Marrison, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

Team members represent six Presbyterian churches in Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz County. —Lisa Thorn, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Presbyterian

adjective

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an

ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən,

ˌpres-

1

often not capitalized : having a system of representative governing councils of ministers and elders

2

: of, relating to, or being a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government

Presbyterian noun

Presbyterianism

-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm

noun