preacher
noun
a person whose occupation or function it is to preach the gospel.
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preacher
1
British
/ ˈpriːtʃə /
noun
-
a person who has the calling and function of preaching the Christian Gospel, esp a Protestant clergyman
-
a person who preaches
Preacher
2
British
/ ˈpriːtʃə /
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Health officials told the men that the preacher had tested positive for Ebola, and that contact with his remains could spread the virus.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
Then there’s Paula White, a charismatic preacher who has long been close to Trump.
From Salon • May 15, 2026
Emily says the real Eric was very different to the pious preacher he portrayed himself to be.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
George also experienced a religious awakening that prompted him to become a preacher and, around 1774, help establish the Silver Bluff Baptist Church, which is still active today.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
He is the preacher who runs the Chemung County Home for Orphans and Pathetic Souls.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
