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

See Examples For:

seminarian

A onetime seminarian — he left three years shy of being ordained a Catholic priest — Reilly was no saint.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

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

Michael Antoniou—Father Mike, as he would come to be known in our family—was at that time a seminarian at the Greek Orthodox Holy Cross Theological School out in Pomfret, Connecticut.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides