clergy
Clergy (noun) means people who are formally trained and ordained to lead religious services, such as priests, ministers, and rabbis. Example: “Members of the clergy gathered for the annual conference.”
How to Use Clergy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA collective word for religious officials — priests, ministers, and similar figures — as a group.
"Clergy" refers to the whole group; a single person is a "cleric" or "clergyman/clergywoman," not "a clergy."
Word Forms
clergies plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Members of the _____ gathered for the annual conference.
Etymology
From Old French clergie, "learned men," ultimately from Latin clericus, "one ordained for religious service."
Rhymes for clergy
See all rhymes for clergy →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “clergy” mean?
The word “clergy” means people who are formally trained and ordained to lead religious services, such as priests, ministers, and rabbis. In plain terms, a collective word for religious officials — priests, ministers, and similar figures — as a group.
How do you pronounce “clergy”?
“Clergy” is pronounced KLURD-zhee (/ˈklɝd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “clergy” in a sentence?
Here is “clergy” used in a sentence: “Members of the clergy gathered for the annual conference.”
What is the opposite of “clergy”?
The opposite of “clergy” — its antonyms — are laity and nonclergy.
What part of speech is “clergy”?
“Clergy” is a noun.
Where does the word “clergy” come from?
The word “clergy” comes from Latin. From Old French clergie, "learned men," ultimately from Latin clericus, "one ordained for religious service.".
Is “clergy” a common word?
“Clergy” is a fairly common word in modern English.