# clergyman

/ˈkɫɝdʒiˌmæn/ (US) · /klˈɜːdʒɪmən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clergyman
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a male member of the clergy, such as a priest or minister in a Christian church.

For teachers: a male member of the clergy, typically within a Christian denomination. While historically common, the term is increasingly replaced by gender-neutral alternatives like 'member of the clergy' or 'cleric' in modern contexts.

## Examples

- The clergyman led the Sunday morning service.
- The local clergyman was a well-respected figure who often mediated disputes between families in the village.
- In nineteenth-century literature, the clergyman is often depicted as a moral compass for the community, though his influence began to wane as society became more secular.

## Usage notes

- Refers specifically to a man; the female equivalent is 'clergywoman', though 'cleric' is the preferred gender-neutral term.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.