priest Definition
- 1a person, usually a man, who has been trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church
- 2a person who is qualified to perform religious duties and ceremonies in other religions
Using priest: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "priest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The priest led the congregation in prayer.
Example
He was ordained as a priest last year.
Example
The temple has several priests who perform daily rituals.
Example
She consulted a priest for spiritual guidance.
priest Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using priest
a priest-ridden society
a society that is dominated or controlled by the clergy or religious authorities
Example
The country was a priest-ridden society until the secular revolution.
Example
He felt a priestly calling from a young age and pursued theological studies.
Example
She decided to take the veil and become a priest after a period of discernment.
Phrases with priest
Example
The high priest of the temple presided over the ceremony.
a priest who has been officially appointed and authorized by a religious organization
Example
He became an ordained priest after completing his theological studies.
Example
The parish priest is available for counseling and pastoral care.
Origins of priest
from Old English 'preost', from Late Latin 'presbyter', from Greek 'presbyteros', meaning 'elder'
Summary: priest in Brief
A 'priest' [priːst] is a person, usually a man, who has been trained to perform religious duties and ceremonies in the Christian church or other religions. It can refer to a clergyman, minister, pastor, or vicar, and extends to phrases like 'high priest' and idioms like 'a priest-ridden society.' 'Priest' is also used in the phrase 'to take the veil (as a priest)' to denote becoming a priest or nun.