ordination

noun

or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯr-də-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce ordination (audio)
Synonyms of ordinationnext
: the act or an instance of ordaining : the state of being ordained

Examples of ordination in a Sentence

He is a candidate for ordination. After his ordination, he will be assigned to a local parish.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thirty-two years after her ordination, the seven women ordained aboard the MS Passau included four from Germany, two from Austria and one from the United States, a former first lady of Ohio, no less. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 The tragedy unfolded just one day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 The July 2 decree said the two bishops leading the unauthorized ordination, held in Switzerland on July 1, had been excommunicated, along with the four priests who had become new bishops, which was widely expected. — Joshua McElwee, USA Today, 2 July 2026 While the pope has appealed to the society not to go ahead with the ordinations of bishops, the group is well-advanced with its preparations. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ordination

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordination was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ordination

See All Rhymes for ordination

Browse Nearby Words

ordinate
ordination
ordinator
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Cite this Entry

“Ordination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordination. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ordination

noun
or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ordination (audio)
: the act of ordaining : the state of being ordained

More from Merriam-Webster on ordination

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ordination

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