as in church
the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.
a member of the laity The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of laity
Young Catholics penned an open letter reminding cardinals that there is no church without young people, women and the laity.
—
Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
But the next pope will also lead a U.S. laity with some differences within it.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
Francis expanded the College of Cardinals beyond the large dioceses and archdioceses to create geographic and cultural diversity and to better represent the makeup of the laity and where the church is growing.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
But the next pope will also lead a U.S. laity with some differences within it.
—Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
Francis expanded the College of Cardinals beyond the large dioceses and archdioceses to create geographic and cultural diversity and to better represent the makeup of the laity and where the church is growing.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
-
The 84-year-old—the mother of the Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie—has been missing since February 1, when her failure to attend church services triggered a wide-ranging and, as the days have worn on, ever more desperate search.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Sather encouraged attendees to dress for the weather, as the church plans to lead a candlelit walk through the New Hope neighborhood after honoring the victims of ICE.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Eckman wrote that the parish's mission remains unchanged and that the move will better resource the parish.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Four of Cincinnati's oldest West Side parishes are making plans to merge into a new parish that would serve hundreds of Catholics who attend their churches and schools.—
Dan Horn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The queen consort joined the congregation for the service, recognizing the work of the Guild in curating public worship at St Bride’s and in the continued ministry to journalism.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
