rectory

noun

rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
Synonyms of rectorynext
1
: a benefice held by a rector
2
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

Examples of rectory 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.
Father Oliver stopped him on the sidewalk in front of the rectory, coatless, with his arms crossed. — Thomas McGuane, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2026 The rectory, where Storey lived, is across the street and has a Prairie Village address. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 The property also comes with a guesthouse — the former rectory — which has been reconfigured as a two-bedroom, one-bath ADU-ish bonus. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026 The property was once a 19th-century Catholic school and church campus, complete with a rectory and nunnery, and each room has a rotary phone and other touches of the not-so-distant past. — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rectory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rectory was in the 15th century

Rhymes for rectory

See All Rhymes for rectory

Browse Nearby Words

rectorship
rectory
rectress
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rectory. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rectory

noun
rec·​to·​ry ˈrek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce rectory (audio)
plural rectories
: a residence of a rector or a parish priest

More from Merriam-Webster on rectory

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rectory

Nglish: Translation of rectory for Spanish Speakers

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