ministry

[min-uh-stree]

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.

ministry

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• preministry noun
• pseudoministry noun
• underministry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

C14: from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant; see _minister

Example Sentences

Israel's foreign ministry rejected the report and denounced it as "distorted and false".

From BBC

The antiquities ministry said it had taken immediate measures after the bracelet disappeared from the Egyptian Museum's restoration laboratory, and that the case had been referred to police.

From BBC

At least 64,964 people have been killed by Israel during its campaign since then, almost half of them women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

From BBC

The operation was carried out in May but only made public on Monday, when the culture ministry released details of the finds.

From BBC

A team led by US trade negotiator Brendan Lynch is in Delhi to meet officials from India's commerce ministry.

From BBC

Related Words

• bureau 
• department