rector

noun

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər 

1

: one that directs : leader

2

a

: a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish

b

: an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights

c

: a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties

3

: the head of a university or school

rectorate

ˈrek-t(ə-)rət 

noun

rectorial

rek-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

rectorship

ˈrek-tər-ˌship 

noun

Examples of rector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wiley, the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson, will lead an outdoor prayer service at the house of worship Tuesday night as a way of blessing the people of a country that have so often seemed bitterly divided over politics. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2024

It is considered a holy day of obligation in the Catholic church, said Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

For Monseigneur Patrick Chauvet, who was rector of Notre Dame de Paris at the time of the fire, the memories are still raw. —Joseph Ataman, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024

The local rector warns him away from the book and offers him salvation – but despite his efforts, the book cannot be destroyed and returns to Sarre with dark consequences. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rector

noun

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər 

1

: a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish

2

: the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses

3

: the head of a university or school