What does clergymen mean?
Clergymen is the plural of clergyman and refers to ordained male members of the Christian clergy — priests, ministers, pastors, and others who have been formally consecrated to perform religious duties such as leading worship, administering sacraments, and providing spiritual guidance. The word carries a somewhat formal or traditional tone; in contemporary writing, gender-neutral alternatives like 'clergy', 'members of the clergy', or 'religious leaders' are often preferred, especially since many denominations now ordain women. Historically, clergymen occupied a distinctive place in society: in medieval Europe they were frequently the only literate members of a community, which is why 'clergy' and 'clerk' descend from the same root. The term remains common in historical writing, journalism about religious affairs, and descriptions of traditional church life.
nounClergymen is the plural of clergyman: ordained male members of the Christian clergy, such as priests, ministers, or pastors.
- Ordained male members of the Christian clergy, considered individually or as a group.
"The clergymen gathered at the church to discuss plans for the new community outreach program."
"Several clergymen were invited to offer prayers at the memorial service."
"In the nineteenth century, clergymen were often among the most educated men in a small town."
This is already a plural form; the singular is 'clergyman'. Because it is gender-specific, neutral writers often use 'clergy' or 'members of the clergy' instead.
"The conference was attended by clergymen from across the region."
The words 'clergy' and 'clerk' share the same root — because in medieval Europe, clerics were among the few people who could read and write.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clergymen
Clergymen derives from 'clergyman', a compound of 'clergy' and 'man'. 'Clergy' comes from Old French 'clergie', from Late Latin 'clericus', meaning a member of the clergy, which itself derives from Greek 'klērikos' ('of the clergy'), from 'klēros' ('lot, inheritance') — an allusion to the idea of the clergy as God's allotted portion. The same Greek-Latin root gave English both 'cleric' and, through Old English, 'clerk'. The compound 'clergyman' arose in English around the early seventeenth century.
Related word forms
How clergymen is actually used
The term is specifically masculine; 'clergy' or 'members of the clergy' is now preferred in inclusive or gender-neutral contexts. 'Clergyman/clergymen' can sound somewhat traditional or formal in modern usage.
Easily confused with clergymen
Clergy is a collective noun referring to ordained religious officials as a body, while clergymen is the plural form referring to individual male members of that body.