clergywoman

A clergywoman leads a Sunday service in her church.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female member of the clergy: "clergywoman" refers to a woman who is ordained or authorized to perform religious duties, such as leading worship, administering sacraments, or providing spiritual guidance within a Christian denomination.

Usage Examples

• (A woman who is a member of the clergy was given the role of leading the church.)
• (A female clergy member serves as an inspiration.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a clergywoman in a male-dominated field": to work as a female member of the clergy in a profession historically led by men.

  • She faced challenges as a clergywoman in a traditional diocese. (She encountered difficulties due to her gender in a conservative religious organization.)

• "the ordination of a clergywoman": the formal process by which a woman is made a member of the clergy.

  • The ordination of the clergywoman was a historic event for the church. (The ceremony making her a clergy member was significant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Clergyman (n): a male member of the clergy.

  • The clergyman delivered a moving sermon on Sunday. (The male clergy member gave a speech.)

• Clergy (n, collective): the body of all people ordained for religious duties.

  • The clergy in the region gathered for a conference. (All ordained religious leaders met.)

• Clergyperson (n): a gender-neutral term for a member of the clergy.

  • The clergyperson visited the hospital to offer comfort. (A clergy member of any gender helped.)

Synonyms

• Minister: a person authorized to conduct religious worship, often used in Protestant churches.
• Priest: a person authorized to perform sacred rites, especially in Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican traditions.
• Reverend: a title used for a member of the clergy (not a synonym for the person, but often used as a formal address).

Related Idioms

• "clergywoman’s collar": a reference to the distinctive white collar worn by clergy members, symbolizing their role.

  • She wore a simple black dress with a clergywoman’s collar. (She dressed in the traditional garb of a female clergy member.)

• "to be called to serve as a clergywoman": to feel a spiritual vocation to become a female member of the clergy.

  • She believed God had called her to serve as a clergywoman. (She felt a divine purpose to become a female religious leader.)