Ordained: meaning, definitions and examples

religious authority

To be ordained is to be formally appointed or consecrated to a religious office or function. This process typically involves a ceremonial rite, where an individual is recognized as possessing the authority to perform specific spiritual duties, such as leading worship or administering sacraments. Often associated with ministers, priests, or bishops, the act of ordination marks the individual's commitment to a religious vocation. The term is primarily used within Christian denominations, but similar practices exist in other faiths.

appointed, commissioned, consecrated

Examples of usage

• He was ordained as a priest last spring.

• The bishop ordained several new ministers during the ceremony.

• After years of study, she was finally ordained.

• He felt called to be ordained and serve his community.