noun
Common
missionary
MIHSH-uhn-rih
Missionary (noun) means a person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while providing aid. Example: “The missionary taught villagers to read and also helped build a clinic.”
noun
1
A person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while providing aid.
"The missionary taught villagers to read and also helped build a clinic."
"My grandfather worked as a missionary in a remote region for many years."
"The missionary spent years building schools overseas."
"A missionary was just trying to convert me to his religion."
adj
1
Relating to religious missions or missionary work.
"She gave a talk about her missionary work with schools and clinics."
"The old missionary hospital still treats patients from the surrounding villages."
"The church funds several missionary programs abroad."
How to use missionary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) devoted to spreading a religious faith, often combined with charitable work.
Common pairings
missionary work
Christian missionary
missionary position
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like missionary.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- missionaries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ taught villagers to read and also helped build a clinic.
Etymology
From mission plus the suffix -ary, "relating to."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for missionary
See all rhymes for missionary →Frequently asked questions
What does “missionary” mean?
The word “missionary” means a person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while providing aid. In plain terms, someone (or something) devoted to spreading a religious faith, often combined with charitable work.
How do you pronounce “missionary”?
“Missionary” is pronounced MIHSH-uhn-rih (/ˈmɪʃ.əˌnɛɹ.ɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “missionary” in a sentence?
Here is “missionary” used in a sentence: “The missionary spent years building schools overseas.”
What part of speech is “missionary”?
Depending on how it is used, “missionary” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “missionary” come from?
The word “missionary” comes from Latin. From mission plus the suffix -ary, "relating to.".
Is “missionary” a common word?
“Missionary” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “missionary” have?
“Missionary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while providing aid.
What is the difference between a missionary and an evangelist?
A missionary is a person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while also providing humanitarian aid such as education or healthcare. An evangelist focuses more narrowly on preaching and converting others, without necessarily including the aid-work or overseas relocation associated with missionary work.
Can missionary be used as an adjective as well as a noun?
Yes, missionary can describe a person as a noun, or it can function as an adjective relating to religious missions or missionary work, as in "missionary school" or "missionary zeal."
Is missionary work limited to religious activity?
By definition, missionary work centers on spreading a religion, especially Christianity, though it frequently includes providing aid such as medical care, education, or disaster relief alongside the religious purpose.
