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DictionaryclergyReligious leaders
noun

clergy

KLUR-jee/ˈklɜːrdʒi/

Ordained religious leaders considered as a group.

Members of the clergy gather to discuss their congregations' needs.

A group of three ordained Anglican clergy stands together in plain black clerical shirts with white tab collars, one holding a plain closed service book.
Etymology
clergyLatinpriest

The Latin word for a priest also lies behind clerk. Clergy first referred to a clergyman’s office or dignity, then came to name ordained religious leaders collectively.

In context

Koło Naukowe Prawa Kanonicznego TBSP UJ14:26
it included not only ordained members of the clergy but also other individuals such as women
Laity and Clergy-Some Historical Lines of Development and Relationship - fr. dr Harald Tripp

More examples

  • The service was led by local clergy.
  • The council included representatives of the clergy and lay community.
  • The report surveyed housing arrangements for retired clergy.

Forms

clergy

Similar words

laity
Religious community members who are not ordained clergy.