priesthood
noun
priest·hood
ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d 
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2
: the whole body of priests
3
: elite sense 1
the priesthood of the art world
Examples of priesthood in a Sentence
an ancient civilization that was ruled by a priesthood
What is the influence of the priesthood in today's society?
Recent Examples on the Web
Years passed and Bergoglio indeed opted for priesthood.
—
Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
Born in Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio first joined the Catholic priesthood in 1969.
—Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Overall, wrote Kate McElwee for the National Catholic Register in 2023, the cause of female priesthood did not advance far under Francis’ leadership.
—Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Lives lived: Theodore E. McCarrick, a high-ranking cardinal who was accused of abuse and was stripped of his priesthood by Pope Francis, died at 94.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priesthood
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Claudia Rebaza, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025
Born in Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio first joined the Catholic priesthood in 1969.
—Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2025
Overall, wrote Kate McElwee for the National Catholic Register in 2023, the cause of female priesthood did not advance far under Francis’ leadership.
—Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Lives lived: Theodore E. McCarrick, a high-ranking cardinal who was accused of abuse and was stripped of his priesthood by Pope Francis, died at 94.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Cite this Entry
“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priesthood. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
priesthood
noun
priest·hood
ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office or dignity of a priest
2
: the whole group of priests
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