plural clergies
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
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
The allegations have caused outrage among survivors of clergy abuse, who feel betrayed by the Saints' involvement in the scandal.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
That litigation, filed in 2020, involves more than 600 people who say they were abused by clergy.
—Brett Martel, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The clergy could expect the fulfillment of prophecy, and the poor and the oppressed could look forward to absolution and better living quarters.
—Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
That sets off a horde of prosecutors, politicians, press, police, clergy and hustlers all clamoring for a piece of the action.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
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David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
That litigation, filed in 2020, involves more than 600 people who say they were abused by clergy.
—Brett Martel, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The clergy could expect the fulfillment of prophecy, and the poor and the oppressed could look forward to absolution and better living quarters.
—Arthur Krystal, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025
That sets off a horde of prosecutors, politicians, press, police, clergy and hustlers all clamoring for a piece of the action.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clergy
Dictionary Entries Near clergy
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clergy
noun
cler·gy
ˈklər-jē 
plural clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services
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