Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən How to pronounce Presbyterian (audio)
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 noun

Examples of Presbyterian in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The first concert is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St., and the second is Sunday at 2 p.m. at L.A. Dance Project, 2245 E. Washington Blvd. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 Adams is accused of intentionally targeting children Thursday afternoon at the Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan's Island, a beach town just outside of Charleston, authorities said. Faith Abubey, ABC News, 2 May 2025
Adjective
The program was founded by Mary Jane Hender, a reading specialist with a doctorate in education, and the Rev. Gordon Butcher, a Presbyterian minister and reading activist. Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 The 168-acre site is located on the Bannockburn campus of the Scots College, a Presbyterian boys’ school. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for Presbyterian

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Presbyterian was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Presbyterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Presbyterian. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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

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