Presbyterian

1 of 2

noun

Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən How to pronounce Presbyterian (audio)
ˌpres-
: a member of a Presbyterian church

Presbyterian

2 of 2

adjective

1
often not capitalized : characterized by a graded system of representative ecclesiastical bodies (such as presbyteries) exercising legislative and judicial powers
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government and traditionally Calvinistic in doctrine
Presbyterianism noun

Examples of Presbyterian 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.
Noun
Schererville Immanuel Presbyterian Church: 140 U.S. 30 — Sunday school at Immanuel Presbyterian Church takes place on the second, third and fourth Sundays of every month. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 The Thomas Tours and Concert Company will be the entertainment at the Presbyterian Church on Jan. 18, 19 and 20 for benefit of Sunday School. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
That includes the Presbyterian minister who presided over her wedding to her husband. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan. 2025 Voters who normally would cast ballots at Church of the Redeemer will be directed to the Knox Presbyterian location. Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Presbyterian 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Presbyterian was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near Presbyterian

Cite this Entry

“Presbyterian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Presbyterian. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

Presbyterian

adjective
Pres·​by·​te·​ri·​an
ˌprez-bə-ˈtir-ē-ən,
ˌpres-
1
often not capitalized : having a system of representative governing councils of ministers and elders
2
: of, relating to, or being a Protestant Christian church that is presbyterian in government
Presbyterian noun
Presbyterianism
-ē-ə-ˌniz-əm
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on Presbyterian

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