minister
n. countablen. a high-ranking member of a government who is in charge of a specific department. In some contexts, it also refers to a religious leader who performs ceremonies in a church.
n. a high-ranking government official who heads a specific administrative department or ministry; alternatively, a member of the clergy authorised to perform religious functions. Often used as a title before a surname.
The health minister announced a new plan for hospitals.
After the election, the prime minister appointed a new minister to oversee the country's education system.
The foreign minister traveled abroad to negotiate a trade agreement that would benefit local businesses and strengthen international ties.
From Middle English ministre, from Old French ministre, from Latin minister (“an attendant, servant, assistant, a priest's assistant or other under official”), from minor (“less”) + -ter; see minor. Doublet of Minorite.
Inherited from Middle English mynystren, from Middle French ministrer, from Old French menistrer, ministrer and Latin ministrō, from minister.
When used as a specific title before a name, it is typically capitalised.