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

Explanation

If you are discussing the duties of your minister or rabbi, you are talking about his or her ministry — the work the religious leader does in serving a congregation. The noun ministry also refers to a group of clergy. Even if you do not lead a religious community, you can still have a ministry, as the word means to provide information or services about an organization or cause. The charity can have a ministry to serve homeless people. The noun ministry can also refer to a government department. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Ministry of Defense oversees the armed forces. A ministry can also be the building where this sort of government work occurs.

Example Sentences

A Dutch woman was admitted to a hospital in Amsterdam after showing possible symptoms of a hantavirus infection, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

The 30-year bond will be a reopening of the April 2026 issue, the ministry said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Chile's health ministry said the two passengers who died were not infected in that country as they travelled there at "a period that does not correspond to the incubation time".

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Footage shows health workers in protective gear evacuating three passengers, including the ship’s British doctor, who Spain’s health ministry said had been in ‘serious condition’ but has improved.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

He then pursued his studies with more vigor than before and decided at last to enter the ministry.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• bureau
• department