Word
rector
Phoneticsrec·tor
US/ˈɹɛktɝ/
UK/ɹˈɛktɐ/
Definition
n. a person in charge of a religious or educational institution. You might meet one at a church or a university.
n. the head of certain universities, colleges, or schools; also refers to a member of the clergy in charge of a parish.
Examples
“The rector gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.”
“After the previous leader retired, the university board appointed a new rector to oversee the campus expansion.”
“The rector of the historic parish worked closely with local historians to ensure the restoration of the 12th-century chapel remained architecturally accurate.”
Examples
simple
“The rector gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.”
contextual
“After the previous leader retired, the university board appointed a new rector to oversee the campus expansion.”
complex
“The rector of the historic parish worked closely with local historians to ensure the restoration of the 12th-century chapel remained architecturally accurate.”
Usage
Commonly used in European academic contexts or within the Anglican and Episcopal churches.
Real-World Examples
“In a joint statement on Wednesday, Ghent University’s rector, Petra De Sutter, and vice-rector, Herwig Reynaert, said: “We attach great importance to academic freedom and to open academic debate, even when views are controversial.” “In a post on X, Cofnas said he was grateful to Ghent’s rector, Petra De Sutter, “for allowing me to stay”.” Etymology
Americanized form of German Richter.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.