prioress

noun

pri·​or·​ess ˈprī-ə-rəs How to pronounce prioress (audio)
Synonyms of prioressnext
: a nun corresponding in rank to a prior

Examples of prioress 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.
After Robin is gravely injured, he is taken in by the sage prioress Brigid (Jodie Comer), who nurses him back to health at an island convent. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Marie, who becomes the prioress of the abbey at 17, begins a rise to power — or as much power as a woman is permitted — using her fellow nuns to fight off political and violent incursions. — Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026 Seventeen-year-old Marie de France is cast out of the royal court to be the new prioress of an impoverished abbey in medieval Europe and finds purpose and love in her newfound devotion to the sisters. — Barbara Vandenburgh, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2021 In response, the diocese said in a statement that the Holy See has acted toward healing the Arlington Carmel and the nuns in the community and not simply the former prioress and her former councilors. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for prioress

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for prioress

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Browse Nearby Words

priorate
prioress
priorite
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Cite this Entry

“Prioress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prioress. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prioress

noun
pri·​or·​ess ˈprī-ə-rəs How to pronounce prioress (audio)
: a nun who is head of a priory

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