prelate

noun

prel·​ate ˈpre-lət How to pronounce prelate (audio)
also ˈprē-ˌlāt
Synonyms of prelatenext
: an ecclesiastic (such as a bishop or abbot) of superior rank

Examples of prelate in a Sentence

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.
In roughly 33 hours over the course of two days, the diverse group of international prelates elected Prevost on the fourth ballot. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 Many other national bishops’ conferences and individual prelates have spoken out. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026 However, the bishops took the extra step of releasing a video of various prelates reading the message into the camera, a component that observers interpreted as an unusually direct and personal rebuke. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Dec. 2025 The group was founded in 1970 in Switzerland by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, a French prelate, but five years later was officially suppressed by the Bishop of Fribourg. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prelate

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prelat, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praelatus, literally, one receiving preferment, from Latin (past participle of praeferre to prefer), from prae- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prelate was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing prelate

Rhymes for prelate

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Browse Nearby Words

prelarva
prelate
prelate nullius
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Cite this Entry

“Prelate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prelate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prelate

noun
prel·​ate ˈprel-ət How to pronounce prelate (audio)
: a high-ranking member of the clergy (as a bishop)

More from Merriam-Webster on prelate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prelate

Nglish: Translation of prelate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prelate

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