Word
cleric
Phoneticscler·ic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɛɹɪk/
UK/klˈɛɹɪk/
Definitions
01religious leader
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Religion
n. a person who is an official leader in a religion, like a priest or a monk.
n. a member of the clergy; a person ordained for religious service.
“The local cleric led the community in prayer during the festival.”
“The senior cleric issued a statement calling for peace and reconciliation between the two warring factions.”
Antonyms
02fantasy games
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. in games like Dungeons & Dragons, a character who uses magic from a god to heal others.
n. a character class in role-playing games typically characterised by divine magic, healing abilities, and religious devotion.
“Our team needs a cleric to help heal us during the boss fight.”
“The player chose to build a cleric character, focusing on defensive spells and restorative magic to support the rest of the adventuring party.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of tabletop or video game mechanics.
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to gaming culture; in general conversation, 'cleric' almost always refers to a real-world religious figure.
Real-World Examples
“He argued that the document was likely created by a Roman cleric between 750 and 850.” Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin clēricus, from Ancient Greek κληρικός (klērikós), from κλῆρος (klêros, “a casting lots, drawing lots”). Many officers at Athens obtained their offices by lot, as opposed to election (Liddell and Scott). Doublet of clerk.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cleric