Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

priesthood

[preest-hood] / ˈprist hʊd /
NOUN
clergy
Synonyms
STRONG
cardinalate ecclesiastics ministry pastorate rabbinate
WEAK
canonicate canonry deaconry diaconate the cloth the pulpit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

WSJ: You and Powell have come from similar backgrounds, not academic, not from the priesthood of central banking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

Where Frank veered into a life of teaching, Chris continued his path into the priesthood.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

Part of being welcomed into the legal priesthood is that you learn that these cases are embarrassing.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2025

By 1991, the Diocese of Sheffield had fast-tracked Brain's route to the priesthood, allowing him to become ordained after just two years, instead of the usual four.

From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025

They passed on their control and privileges to their children, creating a hereditary priesthood: counselors to kings, if not kings themselves.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Vocabulary lists containing priesthood

-dom and -hood

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!