plural clergies
1
: a group ordained to perform pastoral or sacerdotal functions in a Christian church
Members of the clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.
2
: the official or sacerdotal class of a non-Christian religion
Buddhist clergy
Examples of clergy in a Sentence
Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.
a member of the clergy
Recent Examples on the Web
Following Trump’s latest victory, White-Cain became the first female clergy member to pray at a presidential inauguration and now serves as the first female primary spiritual adviser to a U.S. president.
—
Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Ukraine’s foreign ministry in April also accused Russia of religious oppression in occupied territories, where hundreds of churches have been destroyed, and some 67 clergy members killed since the start of the war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Procession — Leo, with cardinals and clergy, walk in procession through the Basilica and into St. Peter's Square.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 18 May 2025
Perhaps today’s clergy see lessons in the story of a pope who confronted powerful rulers.
—Alison Hudson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
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Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Ukraine’s foreign ministry in April also accused Russia of religious oppression in occupied territories, where hundreds of churches have been destroyed, and some 67 clergy members killed since the start of the war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Procession — Leo, with cardinals and clergy, walk in procession through the Basilica and into St. Peter's Square.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 18 May 2025
Perhaps today’s clergy see lessons in the story of a pope who confronted powerful rulers.
—Alison Hudson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clergy
noun
cler·gy
ˈklər-jē 
plural clergies
: the group of religious officials (as priests, ministers, or rabbis) specially prepared and authorized to conduct religious services
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