Definition

Noun: A person, typically a member of the clergy, who performs the official duties and leads the ritual of a religious ceremony or service.

Usage

The term "officiant" refers specifically to the individual who is authorized to conduct a formal religious rite. This person leads the ceremony, recites the prescribed words, and performs the necessary actions. - The priest served as the officiant at the wedding. - We need to confirm who the officiant will be for the baptismal service.

Advanced Usage

• Civil Ceremonies: While often a clergyperson, an "officiant" can also be a secular official, such as a judge, justice of the peace, or a certified celebrant, who is legally authorized to solemnize marriages or other civil ceremonies.
  • A local judge acted as the officiant for their civil union.

Variants and Related Words

• Officiate (verb): To perform the duties and functions of an officiant; to conduct a religious service or ceremony.
  • The bishop will officiate at the cathedral on Easter Sunday.

Synonyms

• Celebrant
• Minister
• Officiating clergy
• Presider
• Rite leader

Related Phrases

• Presiding officiant: Emphasizes the role of leading the ceremony.
  • The presiding officiant welcomed the congregation.

Noun

1. a clergyman who officiates at a religious ceremony or service