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Synonyms

Monsignor

American  
[mon-see-nyer, mawn-see-nyawr] / mɒnˈsi njər, ˌmɔn siˈnjɔr /
Or monsignor

noun

Roman Catholic Church.
Monsignors, plural Monsignori plural
  1. a title conferred upon certain prelates.

  2. a person bearing this title.


Monsignor British  
/ mɒnˈsiːnjə, monsiɲˈɲor /

noun

  1. Abbreviation: Mgr.   MsgrRC Church an ecclesiastical title attached to certain offices or distinctions usually bestowed by the Pope

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

Etymology

Origin of Monsignor

1635–45; < Italian < French Monseigneur Monseigneur ( def. ); see signor

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.

See Examples For:

That news reads like a bit of a genre-mashed Mad Libs, so we’ll slow down a bit: Monsignor Stephen Rossetti has been working in the Washington Archdiocese for the past 15 years as an exorcist.

From Slate Jun. 8, 2026

His new boss is the imposing Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, despotically played by Josh Brolin.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 27, 2025

Monsignor Bryan McCanny told mourners the teenager's family had bonded together following his death.

From BBC Feb. 8, 2024

I once uncovered a 1975 Archdiocese of Los Angeles memo addressed to a Monsignor Hawkes, recommending that Ramos enter psychological care at the suggestion of “the district attorney as a result of a recent incident.”

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 25, 2024

Every week his picture was in the papers next to Monsignor Pittini, overseeing some good deed.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

But among all the people who discussed the intended marriage there were two who were so well satisfied as to be almost jubilant, and these were the Monsignori Moretti and Gherardi.

From The Master-Christian by Corelli, Marie

Neither Pius nor the Monsignori and other curialists think it conceivable that the minority will hold out to the last in their opposition.

From Letters From Rome on the Council by D?llinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von

Each of the stipendiaries has discharged his obligation, and the Pope and Monsignori find that the Council has cost large sums, but think the money is well spent and will bring in abundant interest.

From Letters From Rome on the Council by D?llinger, Johann Joseph Ignaz von

There was to be very good singing at one of the small chapels, but it was already so full that we couldn't get in, though we had cards from one of the Monsignori.

From Italian Letters of a Diplomat's Life January-May, 1880; February-April, 1904 by Waddington, Mary Alsop King

He made a few cautious enquiries about her, and learnt that she lived very quietly,—that she received certain "great" people,—especially Cardinals and Monsignori, notably Monsignor Gherardi, who was a constant visitor.

From The Master-Christian by Corelli, Marie

“By failing to take any action, the Chancery Monsignors enabled the predatory and harassing conduct of Bishop Bransfield, and allowed him to recklessly spend Diocesan funds for his own personal use,” the report said.

From Washington Post Jun. 5, 2019

Monsignors Giovanni Montini and Domenico Tardini labored long in the Vatican as equal advisers to the Pope until Pius XII appointed Montini Archbishop of Milan two years ago.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the wires grew quiet, Count Dalla Torre had leisure and opportunity to confer with Monsignors, Cardinals and even the Most Blessed Father respecting the Grand Prix whizz-smash.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Pope arrived at eight o’clock, and then proceeded to celebrate the communion, assisted by Monsignors Bacon, bishop of Portland, U.S., and Goro, bishop of Liverpool. 

From Rome in 1860 by Dicey, Edward

The higher clergy in Christian circles, Bishops and Monsignors, were a favourite target, and among Moslems influential Sheikhs.

From Crescent and Iron Cross by Benson, E. F. (Edward Frederic)

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