seminarian

American  

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

Also seminarist

noun

1. a student in a theological seminary.

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seminarian British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˈnɛərɪən /

noun

1. a student at a seminary

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Etymology

Origin of seminarian

First recorded in 1575–85; seminary + -an

Example Sentences

"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

And Brown got a call from his 21-year-old son, Jerry, a recent seminarian and future governor, who pleaded with his father to spare Chessman’s life.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2024

The seminarian has remained in touch with Francis and recently wrote him saying he was “exhausted” with the process but had nevertheless appealed to Spain’s Supreme Court.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 19, 2024

Bobby’s aide or so-called second at the tournament was his close friend and fellow Jack Collins student William Lombardy, a portly twenty-year-old seminarian who was studying to become a Roman Catholic priest.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady