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seminarian

American  
[sem-uh-nair-ee-uhn] / ˌsɛm əˈnɛər i ən /
Also seminarist

noun

  1. a student in a theological seminary.


seminarian British  
/ ˌsɛmɪˈnɛərɪən /

noun

  1. a student at a seminary

"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

Etymology

Origin of seminarian

First recorded in 1575–85; seminary + -an

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:

The former seminarian, whose grandfather was a Baptist preacher, "has the right, wonderful principles and all of the plans to put into effect that will make the country great again," she said.

From Barron's Jun. 13, 2026

But Talarico, a former middle school teacher and seminarian, has energized Democrats, who hope that record-setting campaign fundraising could help flip the seat.

From Salon May 30, 2026

"I am an individual with many faults and shortcomings and truly a minor seminarian," he admitted in his first speech in office.

From BBC Feb. 28, 2026

Talarico-like candidates are busting out across the U.S., if few in his seminarian mold.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 19, 2026

Tell a seminarian that he has to hurry and all of a sudden he starts to ignore bystanders in obvious distress.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

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