noun
missionary
MIHSH-uhn-rih
noun
1
A person sent to spread a religion, especially Christianity, often while providing aid.
"The missionary spent years building schools overseas."
adj
1
Relating to religious missions or missionary work.
"The church funds several missionary programs abroad."
How to Use Missionary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) devoted to spreading a religious faith, often combined with charitable work.
Common pairings
missionary work
Christian missionary
missionary position
Word Forms
missionaries plural
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The _____ spent years building schools overseas.
Etymology
From mission plus the suffix -ary, "relating to."