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.
Frausto and Maguire eloped in La Jolla on June 10, 2026 with a ceremony including just the bride and groom, and their photographer and officiant. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026 However, People is shedding more light on what Sandler was like as an officiant. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026 The arena’s interior hosted roughly 1,000 guests, which included officiant Adam Sandler. — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 Swift and Kelce were married at Madison Square Garden on July 3 in front of over 500 friends and family members, including Gigi Hadid, Lena Dunham, and officiant Adam Sandler. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 July 2026 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

official stamp
officiant
officiary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Officiant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/officiant. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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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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