friar
noun
a member of a religious order, especially the mendicant orders of Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians.
friars
-
pluralof friar.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Coronado, a nobleman around 30 years old, set out in early 1540 with 350 Spaniards, 1,500 indigenous allies and five friars.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
The lantern-making tradition evolved from nighttime processions held by Spanish friars during the 300-plus years of Madrid's colonial rule, the city government said.
From Barron's ● Dec. 19, 2025
It was closely associated with the Spanish conquest, Spanish friars acting as de facto colonial administrators and the church becoming a big landowner.
From BBC ● May 7, 2025
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2024
It is unlikely that Tisquantum was converted, though it’s possible that he allowed the friars to think he had been.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
