Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

preacher

[pree-cher]
See more synonyms for preacher on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a person whose occupation or function it is to preach the gospel.
  2. a person who preaches.
  3. Friar Preacher.
Show More

Origin of preacher

1175–1225; Middle English precho(u)r < Old French prech(e)or, earlier preëch(e)or < Late Latin praedicātor. See preach, -or2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

clericevangelistmissionaryclergyparsondivineecclesiasticministerreverendrevivalistclericalevangelizer

Examples from the Web for preacher

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • The preacher was trying to explain to us the eternal duration of God's punishment.

  • When it was finished, the preacher sat down beside the revivalist.

  • The preacher's voice rose until it sounded like a trumpet blast.

  • At last the hand of the preacher seemed to be pointed directly at him.

  • As he quoted the preacher he mechanically drew his revolver.

    The Cavalier

    George Washington Cable

British Dictionary definitions for preacher

preacher

noun
  1. a person who has the calling and function of preaching the Christian Gospel, esp a Protestant clergyman
  2. a person who preaches
Show More

Preacher

noun
  1. the Preacher Bible the author of Ecclesiastes or the book of Ecclesiastes
Show More
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

Word Origin and History for preacher

n.

c.1200, from Old French preecheor "preacher" (Modern French prêcheur), from Latin praedicatorem (nominative praedicator) "public praiser, eulogist," literally "proclaimer" (see preach). Slang short form preach (n.) is recorded by 1968, American English.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper