First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1minister
noun min·is·ter \ˈmi-nə-stər\
: a person whose job involves leading church services, performing religious ceremonies (such as marriages), and providing spiritual or religious guidance to other people : a member of the clergy in some Protestant churches
: an official who heads a government department or a major section of a department in some countries (such as Britain)
: a person who represents his or her own government while living in a foreign country
Full Definition of MINISTER
1
: agent
2
a : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion
3
a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house
4
: a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities
5
a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador
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Origin of MINISTER
Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin minister servant; akin to Latin minor smaller
Related to MINISTER
- Synonyms
- agent, delegate, emissary, envoy, legate, ambassador, representative
Other Christian Religious Terms
2minister
verb
ministeredminister·ing \-st(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of MINISTER
intransitive verb
1
: to function as a minister of religion
2
: to give aid or service <minister to the sick>
See minister defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MINISTER
14th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
MINISTER Defined for Kids
1minister
noun min·is·ter \ˈmi-nə-stər\
Definition of MINISTER for Kids
1
: a person who performs religious ceremonies especially in Protestant church services
2
: a government official at the head of a section of government activities <minister of education>
3
: a person who represents his or her government in a foreign country
2minister
verb
min·is·teredmin·is·ter·ing
Definition of MINISTER for Kids
: to give help or care <minister to the sick>
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