priest

noun

plural priests
: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God
specifically : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyperson ranking below a bishop and above a deacon

Examples of priest in a Sentence

He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism
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.
Mark Ruffalo stars as Tom Brandis, an aging FBI agent, former Catholic priest, and head of a task force investigating a string of robberies committed against trap houses run by a motorcycle gang called the Dark Hearts. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 Brad really helped me with the priest. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 After the service, the King is expected to attend a reception at the Pontifical Beda College, a seminary which trains priests from across the Commonwealth, while Camilla will meet six Catholic Sisters from the International Union of Superiors General. Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Delbarton publicly acknowledged in 2018 that at least 30 men had come forward with allegations that, over three decades, 13 past or current priests and monks at the school had victimized them — in addition to a lay faculty member who is now retired. Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for priest

Word History

Etymology

Middle English preist, from Old English prēost, ultimately from Late Latin presbyter — more at presbyter

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priest. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

priest

noun
: a person who has the authority to lead or perform religious ceremonies
Etymology

Old English prēost "priest," derived from Latin presbyter "priest, elder," from Greek presbyteros, comparative form of presbys "old man, elder"

More from Merriam-Webster on priest

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