preacher

American  

[pree-cher] / ˈpri tʃər /

noun

1. a person whose occupation or function it is to preach the gospel.

2. a person who preaches.

3. Friar Preacher.

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preacher ¹ British  

/ ˈpriːtʃə /

noun

1. a person who has the calling and function of preaching the Christian Gospel, esp a Protestant clergyman

2. a person who preaches

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Preacher ² British  

/ ˈpriːtʃə /

noun

1. Bible the author of Ecclesiastes or the book of Ecclesiastes

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Etymology

Origin of preacher

1175–1225; Middle English precho ( u ) r < Old French prech ( e ) or, earlier preëch ( e ) or < Late Latin praedicātor. See preach, -or ²

Explanation

A preacher is a Christian religious leader. On Sundays, preachers deliver sermons in churches. While it's possible to preach, or proclaim publicly, about non-religious topics, you're most likely to find the word preacher describing an evangelist Christian minister or pastor. There are also informal street preachers who preach the gospel to people who walk by. Preacher comes from the Latin word praedicatorem, "public praiser," or "proclaimer."

Example Sentences

Emily says the real Eric was very different to the pious preacher he portrayed himself to be.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Attorney Mark Lanier moonlights as a preacher, and it shows when he’s taking on the world’s most powerful companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Islam is the state religion but the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, subject to approval by the authorities for the place of worship and the preacher.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“Rev. Jackson was a dynamic speaker, a preacher, so it was call and response,” she said.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

After all, King himself was speaking, first and foremost, as a preacher, fulfilling an emerging mission of religion: preaching the social gospel of justice and equality.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• clergy
• cleric
• evangelist
• missionary