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Definition of presbyterian

presbyterian

/ˌprɛzbɪˈtɪriən/
pres · by · te · ri · an
Plural:presbyterians
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presbyterian Lexical Profile

presbyterian Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or denoting any of the various Protestant Christian denominations, historically rooted in the Reformed tradition of John Calvin and John Knox, that are governed by elders.

Example

"She grew up attending a Presbyterian church in the Scottish Lowlands."

2

Relating to a system of Protestant church government in which the church is administered by a body of elected elders of equal rank rather than by a hierarchy of bishops.

Example

"The congregation adopted a presbyterian model of governance led by a session of elected elders."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for presbyterian

• noun

1

A member or adherent of a Presbyterian church or denomination.

Example

"Many early Scottish immigrants to North America were devout Presbyterians who founded schools and colleges."

• Rhymes for presbyterian

• Nearby Words

preroll
presage
presale
presbyterian
presbytery
preschedule
preschool

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from 'presbyter' (church elder), which derives via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'presbyteros' ('elder' or 'older'), the comparative form of 'presbys' ('old man').

Cite this Entry

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