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

Ukraine's nuclear power plants were forced to "reduce their generation capacity", the energy ministry said.

From Barron's

In November, China’s top industry ministry set up a standards committee with executives from leading companies as well as state labs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ministry, in its report on the rights of Russians abroad, also said that the large number of stateless people in Estonia was a major problem.

From Barron's

"This is the final step in a long and gradual process that was set in motion after Estonia regained its independence," the education ministry told AFP.

From Barron's

Police said they had already asked the country's foreign ministry to lift his immunity, which he enjoys because of his past role as a senior foreign diplomat.

From BBC

Related Words

• bureau
• department