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Definition of diocese

diocese

/ˈdaɪəsɪs/
di · o · cese
Plural:dioceses
•
Adjective:diocesan
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diocese Lexical Profile

diocese Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An ecclesiastical district or territorial jurisdiction under the pastoral and administrative authority of a bishop.

Example

"The local bishop announced plans to renovate several historic parish churches across the diocese."

2

A major administrative division in the later Roman Empire, composed of several provinces and governed by an imperial vicar.

Example

"Emperor Diocletian reorganized the empire into twelve large dioceses to streamline tax collection and civil governance."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for diocese

• Rhymes for diocese

• Nearby Words

dinosaur
dint
diocesan
diocese
diode
diorama
diospyros

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French from Late Latin dioecesis ('governor's jurisdiction' or 'bishop's district'), from Ancient Greek dioikēsis ('administration, housekeeping'), formed from dia- ('thoroughly') and oikein ('to inhabit, manage a household'), from oikos ('house').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Diocese. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/diocese
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