noun Uncommon

deacon

DEE-kuhn

Deacon (noun) means a church officer ranking below a priest, who assists with pastoral and administrative duties (the exact role varies by denomination). Example: “The deacon visited the sick and helped organise the food bank.”

noun

A church officer ranking below a priest, who assists with pastoral and administrative duties (the exact role varies by denomination).

"The deacon visited the sick and helped organise the food bank."

"He was ordained a deacon a year before becoming a full priest."

verb

To lead a hymn by reciting each line just before the congregation sings it.

"The old tradition of deaconing a hymn is still kept in some rural chapels."

How to use deacon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA church role, usually just below a priest or pastor, focused on service and assisting with church duties.

Common pairings

ordained a deacon church deacon deacon of the parish

Word forms

deaconed past tense, deacons plural, Deacons plural, deacons singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ visited the sick and helped organise the food bank.

Etymology

From Old English diacon, borrowed from Church Latin diaconus, going back to Greek diakonos, meaning "servant" or "minister".

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for deacon

bacon Macon beacon archdeacon

See all rhymes for deacon →

Frequently asked questions

What does “deacon” mean?

The word “deacon” means a church officer ranking below a priest, who assists with pastoral and administrative duties (the exact role varies by denomination). In plain terms, a church role, usually just below a priest or pastor, focused on service and assisting with church duties.

How do you pronounce “deacon”?

“Deacon” is pronounced DEE-kuhn (/ˈdiːkən/ in IPA).

How do you use “deacon” in a sentence?

Here is “deacon” used in a sentence: “The deacon visited the sick and helped organise the food bank.”

What part of speech is “deacon”?

Depending on how it is used, “deacon” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “deacon” come from?

The word “deacon” comes from Latin. From Old English diacon, borrowed from Church Latin diaconus, going back to Greek diakonos, meaning "servant" or "minister".

Is “deacon” a common word?

“Deacon” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “deacon” have?

“Deacon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a church officer ranking below a priest, who assists with pastoral and administrative duties (the exact role varies by denomination).