priesthood

noun

priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office, dignity, or character of a priest
2
: the whole body of priests
3
: elite sense 1
the priesthood of the art world

Examples of priesthood in a Sentence

an ancient civilization that was ruled by a priesthood What is the influence of the priesthood in today's society?
Recent Examples on the Web The pastor had none of the religious training of the Catholic priesthood. Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 Scholars estimate that thousands of people globally have been initiated into Yoruba priesthoods through connections to the village. Dionne Ford, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023 The Italian-language version of the book was released this week and brought to public attention Pope Francis' reaffirmation of male-exclusive priesthood. Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 26 Oct. 2023 Kate Kelly, who helped organize public marches in favor of ordaining women to the all-male priesthood, was excommunicated in 2014. Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Sep. 2023 The pope has also reaffirmed on multiple occasions that the Catholic priesthood is reserved for men alone and that the institution has no authority to ordain women. Jeremiah Poff, Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2023 These spectacles feed a misconception that debate is alien to science, and consensus emerges from some arcane priesthood in lab coats. David Robert Grimes, Scientific American, 29 June 2023 One that evades both chaos and the wretched trap of monolithic power by kings or priesthoods … or corporate oligarchs … or Skynet monsters. WIRED, 6 July 2023 Beginning with this weekend, a Wednesday news release announced, the church has directed local lay leaders to resume opening prayers before Sunday school, Relief Society, priesthood and Young Women classes. David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'priesthood.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of priesthood was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near priesthood

Cite this Entry

“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priesthood. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

priesthood

noun
priest·​hood ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office or dignity of a priest
2
: the whole group of priests

More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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