priesthood

noun

priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2
: the whole body of priests
3
: elite sense 1
the priesthood of the art world

Examples of priesthood in a Sentence

an ancient civilization that was ruled by a priesthood What is the influence of the priesthood in today's society?
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 mainstream church teaches that only men are endowed with priesthood power. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 The Qunari military is exclusively composed of men, while women are expected to be craft makers and artisans, and the only gender-neutral niche is their priesthood. Samantha Riedel, Them, 6 Sep. 2024 Born in 1948 to a Jewish mother and Methodist father, Simmons once considered the Catholic priesthood, but found his calling in converting Americans—especially those often cruelly excluded from the dominant fitness culture at the time—to exercise. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, The Atlantic, 16 July 2024 La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, Italy's largest circulation dailies, both quoted the pope as using an Italian vulgarity when saying the country's seminaries, or priesthood colleges, were already full of homosexuals. Alvise Armellini, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for priesthood 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of priesthood was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near priesthood

Cite this Entry

“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priesthood. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

priesthood

noun
priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office or dignity of a priest
2
: the whole group of priests

More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

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