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
Synonyms
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
Top clergy have issued fatwas, or edicts, on how to rein in climate change.
—
Sui-Lee Wee Ulet Ifansasti, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Some clergy view the ban on abortions as favoring Christian values and ignoring other religions' tenets.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 13 Apr. 2024
Catholics continue to struggle with fallout from the clergy abuse scandal.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024
For the rest of the trial, Crumbley could talk only to his lawyer and legitimate clergy and do research to help his defense — but prosecutor David Williams said in court that the restrictions could lift after a verdict was reached.
—Selina Guevara, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2024
Their brutality triggered horrific reprisals by Republican forces and their allies, who executed thousands, often targeting Catholic clergy.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
After the jury was dismissed Thursday afternoon, prosecutors asked that Crumbley’s communications be limited to only counsel and legitimate clergy for the remainder of the trial.
—Nicki Brown, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024
Another suit, this one filed by a group of parents, clergy and education activists, is also challenging the new school’s approval.
—Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024
The Boston Globe reported that Black and White clergy members met in Roxbury for a press conference intended to be held outside, though it was instead held in the basement of the Resurrection Lutheran Church on Saturday because of rain.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2024
Sui-Lee Wee Ulet Ifansasti, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Some clergy view the ban on abortions as favoring Christian values and ignoring other religions' tenets.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 13 Apr. 2024
Catholics continue to struggle with fallout from the clergy abuse scandal.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024
For the rest of the trial, Crumbley could talk only to his lawyer and legitimate clergy and do research to help his defense — but prosecutor David Williams said in court that the restrictions could lift after a verdict was reached.
—Selina Guevara, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2024
Their brutality triggered horrific reprisals by Republican forces and their allies, who executed thousands, often targeting Catholic clergy.
—Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
After the jury was dismissed Thursday afternoon, prosecutors asked that Crumbley’s communications be limited to only counsel and legitimate clergy for the remainder of the trial.
—Nicki Brown, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024
Another suit, this one filed by a group of parents, clergy and education activists, is also challenging the new school’s approval.
—Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024
The Boston Globe reported that Black and White clergy members met in Roxbury for a press conference intended to be held outside, though it was instead held in the basement of the Resurrection Lutheran Church on Saturday because of rain.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clergy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near clergy
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clergy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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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