ministry

[min-uh-stree]

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.

ministry

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• preministry noun
• pseudoministry noun
• underministry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Latin ministerium, from minister minister + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of ministry¹

C14: from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant; see _minister

Example Sentences

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response, so far killing at least 67,139 people, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

From BBC

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response, so far killing at least 66,288 people, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

From BBC

Since then, 67,139 have been killed by Israeli military operations in Gaza, the health ministry says.

From BBC

Fighters from Nepal, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cuba and Syria, who in the past came in significant numbers, are no longer allowed to join, according to the Russian defense ministry.

From Los Angeles Times

In Russia, air defence units destroyed 32 Ukrainian drones overnight, the state-owned RIA news agency reported on Sunday, citing data from Russia's defence ministry.

From BBC

Related Words

• bureau 
• department