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
Schererville Immanuel Presbyterian Church: 140 U.S. 30 — Sunday school at Immanuel Presbyterian Church takes place on the second, third and fourth Sundays of every month. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 Last year, a proposal to place Dish Network antennas inside the bell tower of La Jolla Presbyterian Church was dropped following community opposition. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Joined a Presbyterian church in 1827, then found a new home in the Methodist movement. Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 The congregation has been meeting a few miles away at a Presbyterian church in Culver City since the fire. Jason Derose, NPR, 5 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Presbyterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Presbyterian. Accessed 8 Mar. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on Presbyterian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!