sexton
Sexton (noun) means a church official who maintains the building and churchyard, and sometimes digs graves or rings bells. Example: “The old sexton had tended the graveyard for forty years.”
How to use sexton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA caretaker for a church, its grounds, and often its graveyard.
Word forms
sextons plural, Sextons plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ had tended the graveyard for forty years.
Etymology
From Old French segrestien, from Medieval Latin sacristanus — a doublet of the word sacristan.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “sexton” mean?
The word “sexton” means a church official who maintains the building and churchyard, and sometimes digs graves or rings bells. In plain terms, a caretaker for a church, its grounds, and often its graveyard.
How do you pronounce “sexton”?
“Sexton” is pronounced SEHK-stuhn (/ˈsɛk.stən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sexton” in a sentence?
Here is “sexton” used in a sentence: “The old sexton had tended the graveyard for forty years.”
What part of speech is “sexton”?
“Sexton” is a noun.
Where does the word “sexton” come from?
The word “sexton” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French segrestien, from Medieval Latin sacristanus — a doublet of the word sacristan.