DictionaryseminaryReligious training school
noun

seminary

SEM-ih-nair-ee/ˈsemɪneri/

A school that trains people to become religious leaders.

She attends a seminary to prepare for work as a pastor.

A Christian seminary classroom: a priest instructor demonstrates handling a chalice while trainee clergy watch from school desks, connecting religious leadership with formal instruction.
Etymology

A seminary was originally a seed plot or plant nursery. That image of nurturing early growth became a name for an educational institution, especially one preparing future priests.

In context

Grace to You13:10
his, seminary, in Geneva, by, the, way, his, Seminary, was called, the, school, of death, cuz, if, you, graduated, there, you were martyred, five, young, men, graduated, before they, could, ever, start, their, Ministry
Kirk Cameron Interviews John MacArthur

More examples

  • The seminary prepares students to become rabbis.
  • He entered the seminary hoping to become a priest.
  • Many seminaries offer courses in counseling as well as theology.

Forms

seminary · seminaries

seminarian noun — A seminary student preparing for religious leadership.

Similar words

divinity school
Usually a university school offering advanced study for Christian ministry.
Bible college
Usually offers undergraduate biblical studies, often with Christian ministry training.