priest
6 synonyms for priest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person trained and ordained to lead religious services and rites in a church or temple.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use priest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a Catholic priest
ordained as a priest
the parish priest
Etymology
From Old English prēost, itself from Late Latin presbyter, from Greek presbúteros meaning "elder."
Full origin of priest →Frequently asked questions
What does “priest” mean?
The word “priest” means a person trained and ordained to lead religious services and rites in a church or temple. In plain terms, a religious official who leads worship, performs rites like marriages and confessions, and represents a faith community.
How do you pronounce “priest”?
“Priest” is pronounced PREEST (/ˈpɹiːst/ in IPA).
How do you use “priest” in a sentence?
Here is “priest” used in a sentence: “The priest blessed the newlyweds at the altar.”
What part of speech is “priest”?
Depending on how it is used, “priest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “priest” come from?
The word “priest” comes from Late Latin. From Old English prēost, itself from Late Latin presbyter, from Greek presbúteros meaning "elder.".
Is “priest” a common word?
“Priest” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “priest” have?
“Priest” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person trained and ordained to lead religious services and rites in a church or temple.
What is the difference between a "priest" and a "pastor"?
A priest is a person trained and ordained to lead religious services and rites, a title common in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches. "Pastor" is more often used in Protestant churches for the leader of a congregation. The roles overlap but reflect different traditions.
What is the difference between a "priest" and a "minister"?
A priest is ordained to lead worship and perform sacred rites, with an emphasis on administering sacraments. "Minister" is a broader term for a member of the clergy who leads a congregation, common in Protestant churches. Not every minister is called a priest.
