plural noun
Religious leaders who lead services and perform religious ceremonies, especially in some Christian churches.
The priests led the religious ceremony.
We spoke to the priests after the wedding.
American English
How to pronounce priests
nounB1Common word
PREESTS
/pʰɹists/
One syllable.
Form of priest
Religious leaders who lead services and perform religious ceremonies, especially in some Christian churches.
What to listen for
When you say “priests” alone, use /pʰɹists/. In natural connected speech, the /t/ may disappear, so you may hear /pʰɹiss/.
Meanings & examples
Useful expressions
to become a priest
He entered the priesthood after college.
a respectful way to address a Catholic priest
Good morning, Father Lopez.