English Explanatory Dictionary

ministry

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Government department, at the administrative level normally headed by a minister (or equivalent rank, e.g. secretary of state), who holds it as portfolio, especially in a constitutional monarchy, but also as a polity
  2. The complete body of government ministers (whether or not they are in cabinet) under the leadership of a head of government (such as a prime minister)
  3. A ministration
  4. The active practice and education of the minister of a particular religion or faith.
  5. The clergy of nonapostolic Protestant churches.
  6. Work of a spiritual or charitable nature.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪnɪstɹi/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-ministry.wav

Word forms

ministry ministries

Etymology

From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.

Derived words

bus ministry fivefold ministry interministry intraministry megaministry ministerial ministryship prime ministry superministry team ministry underministry
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