priesthood
noun
priest·hood
ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d 
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
Synonyms
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
La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, Italy's largest circulation dailies, both quoted the pope as using an Italian vulgarity when saying the country's seminaries, or priesthood colleges, were already full of homosexuals.
—
Alvise Armellini, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024
Checking this priesthood’s power will require a new countermovement—one that restrains surveillance capitalism in the name of personal freedom and democracy.
—Paul Starr, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2019
The Federer's occupations have spanned politics, priesthood and now – thanks to Roger – tennis.
—Erica Marrison, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024
To overcome the Church’s indifference to their plight, Ed Warren takes it upon himself to perform the dangerous exorcism despite his lack of priesthood.
—Brooke Knisley, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for priesthood 
Alvise Armellini, USA TODAY, 28 May 2024
Checking this priesthood’s power will require a new countermovement—one that restrains surveillance capitalism in the name of personal freedom and democracy.
—Paul Starr, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2019
The Federer's occupations have spanned politics, priesthood and now – thanks to Roger – tennis.
—Erica Marrison, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024
To overcome the Church’s indifference to their plight, Ed Warren takes it upon himself to perform the dangerous exorcism despite his lack of priesthood.
—Brooke Knisley, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for priesthood
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.
Dictionary Entries Near priesthood
Cite this Entry
“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/priesthood. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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priesthood
noun
priest·hood
ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d
ˈprē-ˌstu̇d
1
: the office or dignity of a priest
2
: the whole group of priests
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