acolyte
Americannoun
-
an altar attendant in public worship.
-
Roman Catholic Church.
-
a member of the highest-ranking of the four minor orders.
-
the order itself.
-
-
any attendant, assistant, or follower.
noun
-
a follower or attendant
-
Christianity an officer who attends or assists a priest
Etymology
Origin of acolyte
1275–1325; Middle English acolite < Medieval Latin acolytus < Greek akólouthos follower, attendant, equivalent to a- prefix denoting association + -kolouthos, variant of kéleuthos road, journey
Explanation
A person who helps with religious services is an acolyte. An acolyte is also a fan or follower of the famous, so you can find an acolyte in church or at a concert. Acolyte goes back to the Greek root akolouthos, meaning "follower," and it came into English in the 14th century. While an acolyte often serves in an earned and admired role within a religious ceremony, a second definition is "fan." Acolytes of movie stars or pro athletes closely follow their careers — with great admiration — and would love to be just like their heroes.
Vocabulary lists containing acolyte
The Stranger
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unbroken
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Night Face Up," Vocabulary from the short story
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asked if there is any salvation for the world’s Coke Zero drinkers, Jordan Trumble, a Diet Coke acolyte and Episcopal priest in West Virginia, thoughtfully hedged.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
Before taking power, Takaichi, an acolyte of ex-premier Shinzo Abe, was a vocal critic of China and its military build-up in the Asia-Pacific.
From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025
His acolyte, Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark, plans to run for assembly next year.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2025
The Hitler acolyte Joseph Goebbels once said that the big joke on democracy was that it provided its mortal enemies with the means of its own destruction.
From Salon • May 20, 2025
On the mountain I slipped thoughtlessly into the voice of their daughter and acolyte.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
