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.
The first episode immediately introduces Tom (played by Mark Ruffalo), a grizzled former Catholic priest turned FBI agent, and Robbie (Tom Pelphrey), a trash collector with a side hustle robbing drug houses by way of documenting their daily routines. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025 Other newborns were given away by their grandparents who conspired with doctors, priests and nuns to hide a daughter’s socially embarrassing pregnancy. Rafael Romo, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025 People were curious to see the wrestling priest. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025 Counselor’s Bedroom The maze heads back inside the house where a priest will be conducting a bedside exorcism. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 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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