noun
Uncommon
synod
SIHN-uhd
Synod (noun) means a formal council or meeting of church leaders held to decide on religious matters. Example: “The bishops gathered for a synod to discuss reforms to church practice.”
noun
1
A formal council or meeting of church leaders held to decide on religious matters.
"Addressing a number of previously taboo topics, this synod could result in several liberalizing reforms, though there is no guarantee that it will produce anything at all."
— Jason Horowitz, What Is a Synod in the Catholic Church? And Why Does This One Matter? (2023)
"The bishops gathered for a synod to discuss reforms to church practice."
2
An administrative division or governing body within certain church denominations.
"The parish belongs to the regional synod of the Lutheran church."
How to use synod
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn official council of church officials, or the church body they represent.
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Word forms
- Plural
- synods
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The bishops gathered for a _____ to discuss reforms to church practice.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek sunodos, "assembly, meeting" — from syn- ("with") and hodos ("way, path").
Frequently asked questions
What does “synod” mean?
The word “synod” means a formal council or meeting of church leaders held to decide on religious matters. In plain terms, an official council of church officials, or the church body they represent.
How do you pronounce “synod”?
“Synod” is pronounced SIHN-uhd (/ˈsɪn.əd/ in IPA).
How do you use “synod” in a sentence?
Here is “synod” used in a sentence: “The bishops gathered for a synod to discuss reforms to church practice.”
What part of speech is “synod”?
“Synod” is a noun.
Where does the word “synod” come from?
The word “synod” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek sunodos, "assembly, meeting" — from syn- ("with") and hodos ("way, path").
Is “synod” a common word?
“Synod” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “synod” have?
“Synod” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal council or meeting of church leaders held to decide on religious matters.
