noun
ministry
MIH-nihst-ree
noun
1
A government department headed by a minister.
"The Ministry of Health issued new guidelines."
2
The work, role, or vocation of a religious minister or clergy member.
"He felt called to ministry after years working as a teacher."
How to Use Ministry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA government department, or the calling and work of religious clergy.
Common pairings
ministry of defense
youth ministry
enter the ministry
Word Forms
ministries plural
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The _____ of Health issued new guidelines.
Etymology
From Old French menistere, going back to Latin ministerium, built on minister plus the noun-forming suffix "-y."