officiant

noun

of·​fi·​ci·​ant ə-ˈfi-shē-ənt How to pronounce officiant (audio)
: someone (such as a priest) who officiates at a religious rite

Examples of officiant 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.
Max's older brother had recently married using a friend as an officiant, which inspired Tess and her husband to ask Max to officiate their wedding. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 The officiant, Moe Alaiafune, also incorporated traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian elements into the ceremony. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 July 2025 The practice involves a wedding officiant, close friend, or family member wrapping the to-be-weds hands together with a rope or braided cord in a knot. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 June 2025 Lani Brunn, a friend of the couple and a wedding officiant registered through the Modern Ministers Association of Canada, officiated. Anna Grace Lee, New York Times, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for officiant

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin officiant-, officians, present participle of officiāre "to perform a function, perform priestly duties" — more at officiate

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of officiant was in 1740

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Officiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/officiant. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

officiant

noun
of·​fi·​ci·​ant ə-ˈfi-shē-ənt How to pronounce officiant (audio)
: one who performs the official duties at a ceremony (as a wedding)
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