clergy

noun

cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
plural clergies
Synonyms of clergynext
1
: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.
2
: the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion
Buddhist clergy

Synonyms of clergy

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Examples of clergy in a Sentence

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service. a member of the clergy
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.
In addition to punishing women who seek the priesthood, the Catholic Church has also sanctioned male clergy who support those ordinations. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Advertisement The revolution still to come At the heart of the French Revolution of 1789 was the abolition of the privileges of the aristocracy and clergy. — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Magic needs no congregation, clergy or theology, so believers can adopt it without leaving their church. — Ruiqian Li, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026 Across Uruguay and Argentina — two countries last visited by a pope in the 1980s — Leo would celebrate Masses and meet with worshippers, clergy and political leaders in six cities. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clergy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clergie, from Anglo-French, from clerc clergyman

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clergy was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing clergy

Browse Nearby Words

clergical
clergy
clergyable
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Cite this Entry

“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clergy

noun
cler·​gy ˈklər-jē How to pronounce clergy (audio)
plural clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services

More from Merriam-Webster on clergy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clergy

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