rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
Synonyms of rectorynext
1
: a benefice held by a rector
2
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

Examples of rectory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Eleven young Tennysons spilled out of the Somersby rectory—seven boys and four girls, with Alfred third from the top. Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Hotel Peter and Paul Set in architecturally rich Faubourg Marigny, the 71-room Hotel Peter and Paul occupies a former church, rectory, schoolhouse, and convent that dates back to the late 1800s. AFAR Media, 30 Dec. 2025 Earlier this year, a church rectory in Cleveland Heights was converted into housing for students, namely women and children in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school district. Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025 The accompanying two-story rectory was built with brick and looks similar in style to homes in the neighborhood. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rectory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectory was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectory. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

rectory

noun
rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

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