noun
Uncommon
seminary
SEH-mih-nuh-ree
Seminary (noun) means a college that trains people to become priests, ministers, or rabbis. Example: “He studied theology at a Catholic seminary in Rome.”
noun
1
A college that trains people to become priests, ministers, or rabbis.
"He studied theology at a Catholic seminary in Rome."
"After finishing school, she entered a seminary to prepare for ordination as a minister."
"The old seminary now stands empty, with its chapel and long dormitories falling quiet."
How to use seminary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA specialist school for training religious leaders.
Common pairings
attend seminary
seminary student
theological seminary
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Word forms
- Plural
- seminaries
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He studied theology at a Catholic _____ in Rome.
Etymology
From Latin sēminārium, "seed-bed," from sēmen, "seed" — the idea being a place where future clergy are "cultivated."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for seminary
See all rhymes for seminary →Frequently asked questions
What does “seminary” mean?
The word “seminary” means a college that trains people to become priests, ministers, or rabbis. In plain terms, a specialist school for training religious leaders.
How do you pronounce “seminary”?
“Seminary” is pronounced SEH-mih-nuh-ree (/ˈsɛmənɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “seminary” in a sentence?
Here is “seminary” used in a sentence: “He studied theology at a Catholic seminary in Rome.”
What part of speech is “seminary”?
“Seminary” is a noun.
Where does the word “seminary” come from?
The word “seminary” comes from Latin. From Latin sēminārium, "seed-bed," from sēmen, "seed" — the idea being a place where future clergy are "cultivated.".
Is “seminary” a common word?
“Seminary” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a seminary and a divinity school?
A seminary is a college that specifically trains people to become priests, ministers, or rabbis, often tied closely to a particular denomination or faith tradition. A divinity school can offer broader theological education, sometimes as part of a university, and may serve students who aren't necessarily headed for ordained ministry.
Who typically attends a seminary?
Seminaries are typically attended by individuals preparing for ordained religious leadership roles, such as becoming a priest, minister, or rabbi, within their respective faith traditions.
Is seminary only used for Christian training?
No, seminary can refer to training institutions across different faiths, including those preparing rabbis for Jewish religious leadership, not exclusively Christian ministry.
