rector

American  

[rek-ter] / ˈrɛk tər /

noun

1. a member of the clergy in charge of a parish in the Protestant Episcopal Church.

2. Roman Catholic Church. an ecclesiastic in charge of a college, religious house, or congregation.

3. Anglican Church. a member of the clergy who has the charge of a parish with full possession of all its rights, tithes, etc.

4. the head of certain universities, colleges, and schools.

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rector British  

/ ˈrɛktə, rɛkˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. Church of England a clergyman in charge of a parish in which, as its incumbent, he would formerly have been entitled to the whole of the tithes Compare vicar

2. RC Church a cleric in charge of a college, religious house, or congregation

3. Episcopal Church Scottish Episcopal Church a clergyman in charge of a parish

4. the head of certain schools or colleges

5. (in Scotland) a high-ranking official in a university: now a public figure elected for three years by the students

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Other Word Forms

• rectorate noun
• rectorial adjective
• rectorship noun
• subrector noun

Etymology

Origin of rector

1350–1400; Middle English rectour < Latin rēctor helmsman, ruler, leader, equivalent to reg ( ere ) to rule + -tor -tor

Explanation

A rector is someone with the authority to lead others in religious worship and services. Rectors conduct mass. This word originally applied to the leader of a government, but it has evolved to mean a different type of leader: a religious official with the authorization to lead church services and conduct various religious rituals and sacraments. This term is used mainly in Christian congregations. For members of the flock, the rector provides leadership and wisdom, helping them live as followers of their faith.

Example Sentences

Father Fred Wekesa, the rector of the Saint Augustine Basilica at Annaba where Leo will celebrate mass, said the pope's upcoming visit would give his small flock a "message of encouragement and solidarity".

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Wille is rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in the North Side neighborhood of Ravenswood, known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, vibrant arts scene and craft breweries.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

At Holy Trinity in Guildford the rector, Simon Butler, is pushing ahead with his stand-alone blessings out of frustration with the bishops' recent announcement.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Veselina Goranova, vice rector for Education, says their students' home countries include Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Canada, the US – but added the biggest group by far, "about 40% come from the UK".

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

Fie was rector of a rather posh boys’ school in Berlin.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

Related Words

• clergyman
• cleric
• headmaster
• pastor
• priest