priestess

noun

priest·​ess ˈprē-stəs How to pronounce priestess (audio)
Synonyms of priestessnext
1
: a woman authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion
2
: a woman regarded as a leader (as of a movement)

Examples of priestess 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.
She’s being honored for her portrayal of Annie, the hoodoo priestess who is such a grounding force for the 2025 film. — Kemi Alemoru, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026 In it, Swift evokes the titular Trojan priestess, who was tragically given the gift of prophecy and yet no one believes her. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Jan. 2026 The story begins in 1915 with the death of Julia Brown, who was a voodoo priestess in her town of Finner, which no longer exists today. — Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 16 Oct. 2025 Centuries ago, people throughout the Mediterranean region came to consult it via the Pythia or priestess to see what the Greek god Apollo had to say about their future. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestess

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of priestess was in 1654

Phrases Containing priestess

Browse Nearby Words

priestdom
priestess
priestfish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

priestess

noun
priest·​ess ˈprē-stəs How to pronounce priestess (audio)
: a woman who is a priest

More from Merriam-Webster on priestess

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for priestess

Nglish: Translation of priestess for Spanish Speakers

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