noun

rector

REHK-tuh

noun

A clergy member in charge of a parish, especially in the Anglican or Catholic Church.

"The rector welcomed new parishioners after the service."

The head of certain universities, colleges, or schools.

"She was elected rector of the university by the student body."

How to Use Rector

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a priest in charge of a parish, or the head of certain schools and universities.

Common pairings

parish rector university rector

rectors plural, Rectors plural

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The _____ welcomed new parishioners after the service.

From Old French rectour, from Latin rector ("ruler, guide"), related to regere ("to rule, direct").

vector hector sector ejector Spector director detector defector injector inspector collector protector