# jesuits

/ˈdʒɛʒuɪts/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jesuits
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

members of the Society of Jesus, a group of Catholic priests and brothers. They are well known for their work in education, science, and helping people around the world.

For teachers: members of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic religious order of men founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Historically associated with rigorous academic scholarship, missionary work, and the founding of educational institutions.

## Examples

- The Jesuits founded many famous universities around the world.
- The local high school is run by the Jesuits, who emphasize both academic excellence and social justice.
- Throughout the seventeenth century, the Jesuits served as influential advisors to European monarchs while simultaneously establishing complex missions across South America and East Asia.

## Usage notes

- The term is the plural form of 'Jesuit'; it takes plural verb agreement and is always capitalized.

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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.