noun

minister

MIHN-ihs-tuh

noun

A politician who heads a government department.

"The finance minister announced new tax measures."

A member of the clergy, especially in a Protestant church, authorized to lead worship and provide pastoral care.

"The minister delivered a moving sermon at the funeral."

verb

To attend to someone's needs or provide care and help.

"Volunteers ministered to the survivors of the flood."

How to Use Minister

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a government department head or a religious leader, and as a verb, to care for or serve someone's needs.

Common pairings

prime minister foreign minister minister to the sick

ministered past tense, ministers plural, ministers singular

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The finance _____ announced new tax measures.

From Latin minister, "servant" or "attendant," built from minor, "lesser" — the same root that gives us "minor."

sister lister mister twister meister blister keister sinister register magister cloister banister