parsonage

American  

[pahr-suh-nij] / ˈpɑr sə nɪdʒ /

noun

1. the residence of a member of the clergy, as provided by the parish or church.

2. English Ecclesiastical Law. the benefice of a parson.

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parsonage British  

/ ˈpɑːsənɪdʒ /

noun

1. the residence of a parson who is not a rector or vicar, as provided by the parish

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Etymology

Origin of parsonage

1250–1300; Middle English personage < Anglo-French, equivalent to Medieval Latin persōnāticum benefice. See parson, -age

Explanation

Parsonage is a somewhat old-fashioned term for the housing a church provides to its clergy. The priest of a church in the English countryside might live in a nearby parsonage. Parsonage literally means "house for a parson," and a parson is the member of the clergy, mainly in the British Anglican church, although Lutherans often use this terminology too. Other names for a parsonage include rectory, clergy house, or vicarage. One of the perks of being a priest in a small, rural church would be getting to live in a charming parsonage.

Example Sentences

"It is not very common at all. It is one of those unfortunate things," Rob Parsonage, of Mission Beach Dive, told AFP.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

According to the committee, an additional £280,000 would be needed to purchase the stone-built terraced house where the sisters once lived before moving to the better known Parsonage in Haworth in 1821.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2023

The detective, Arthur Brand, had been investigating the theft of “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring,” one of van Gogh’s early works, painted in 1884.

From New York Times • Sep. 12, 2023

It said that it hopes to have “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring” back on display soon, although this “could take weeks, if not months.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2023

“I mention it, because it is the living which I ought to have had. A most delightful place!—Excellent Parsonage House! It would have suited me in every respect.”

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen