rector

noun

rec·​tor ˈrek-tər How to pronounce rector (audio)
1
: one that directs : leader
2
a
: a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish
b
: an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights
c
: a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties
3
: the head of a university or school
rectorate noun
rectorial adjective
rectorship noun

Examples of rector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The local rector warns him away from the book and offers him salvation – but despite his efforts, the book cannot be destroyed and returns to Sarre with dark consequences. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024 Even as book collectors have, over the centuries, shifted shape from rectors to hedge-fund managers, they have remained driven by an impulse that is both febrile and fastidious. Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Fujimori returned to Peru and went into academia, serving as rector for the National Agrarian University in Lima from 1984-'89. Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2024 The rector of Bratislava’s Academy of Performing Arts, Martin Šmatlák, and the actress Jana Kovalčiková made speeches, while employees of Slovakia’s public broadcaster STVR were in attendance. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rector 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from regere to direct — more at right

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rector was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near rector

Cite this Entry

“Rector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rector. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rector

noun
rec·​tor ˈrek-tər How to pronounce rector (audio)
1
: a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish
2
: the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses
3
: the head of a university or school

More from Merriam-Webster on rector

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