rector

1 of 2

noun (1)

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər How to pronounce rector (audio)
Synonyms of rectornext
1
: one that directs : leader
2
a
: a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish
b
: an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights
c
: a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties
3
: the head of a university or school
rectorate
ˈrek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce rector (audio)
noun
rectorial
rek-ˈtȯr-ē-əl How to pronounce rector (audio)
adjective
rectorship
ˈrek-tər-ˌship How to pronounce rector (audio)
noun

rectorate

2 of 2

noun (2)

rec·​tor·​ate ˈrek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce rectorate (audio)
plural -s
: the officer, rank, station, or term of a rector

Examples of rector 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.
Noun
They are backed by labor unions, rectors of universities, churches, international media organizations and many others. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Following his passing, those who knew Mateucci have expressed their deep sadness at the accident and spoken highly of the late rector. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 The Scottsdale Police Department has identified the deceased as Brazilian national Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, who had traveled to the US for an event at Arizona State University. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 In 2018, Father Jan Kevin Schmidt, rector of the cathedral, requested that the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments grant the title of minor basilica to the historic church in Cincinnati. — Jennie Key, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rector

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin, from regere to direct — more at right

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin rectoratus, from Latin rector + -atus -ate

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for rector

See All Rhymes for rector

Browse Nearby Words

recto
rector
rectoral
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

rector

noun
rec·​tor ˈrek-tər How to pronounce rector (audio)
1
: a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish
2
: the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses
3
: the head of a university or school

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