ministry

American  

[min-uh-stree] / ˈmɪn ə stri /

noun

plural

ministries

1. the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion.

2. the body or class of ministers of religion; clergy.

3. the service, function, or office of a minister of state.

4. the body of ministers of state.

5. (usually initial capital letter) any of the administrative governmental departments of certain countries usually under the direction of a minister of state.

6. (usually initial capital letter) the building that houses such an administrative department.

7. the term of office of a minister of state.

8. an act or instance of ministering; ministration; service.

9. something that serves as an agency, instrument, or means.

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ministry British  

/ ˈmɪnɪstrɪ /

noun

1. 1. the profession or duties of a minister of religion

   2. the performance of these duties

2. ministers of religion or government ministers considered collectively

3. the tenure of a minister

4. 1. a government department headed by a minister

   2. the buildings of such a department

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Other Word Forms

• preministry noun
• pseudoministry noun
• underministry noun

Etymology

Origin of ministry

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin ministerium, from minister minister + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

India’s foreign ministry hasn’t made any comments on the matter either.

From The Wall Street Journal

The accused 60-year-old official worked in the ministry’s division of strategy and planning, a ministry official familiar with the case said.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the city's entrance, interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said work would be undertaken to integrate the Kurds' domestic security forces, known as the Asayish, "into the ranks and payroll" of the ministry.

From Barron's

Chinese car models already approved for launch will have an additional two years to achieve compliance, the ministry said.

From Barron's

This morning, Katayama said the ministry will keep close communication with the U.S. about currencies and will take appropriate action in the FX market, if needed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bureau
• department