rector
n. countablen. 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.
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.
Americanized form of German Richter.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Commonly used in European academic contexts or within the Anglican and Episcopal churches.
- Noundirector
- Nounrector
Last updated May 6, 2026