churchman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “churchman” mean?
A male member of the clergy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male member of the clergy; a clergyman or minister.
Any man who is an active member of a Christian church, especially one deeply involved in church affairs; sometimes used to denote a man with strong, traditional Anglican church convictions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English, particularly in Anglican contexts. In American English, 'clergyman' or 'minister' is more frequent in everyday use.
Connotations
In British English, often connotes affiliation with the established church (Church of England) and may imply a certain social standing or traditionalism. In American English, it's a more generic, formal term for a male clergy member.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but higher in British English, especially in historical, literary, or ecclesiastical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “churchman” in a Sentence
[Adj] churchmanchurchman of [Noun Phrase (e.g., great influence)]churchman and [Noun (e.g., scholar)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “churchman” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a very churchman-like bearing.
American English
- His views were decidedly churchmanly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing ecclesiastical figures.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; more likely in formal or religious community discussions.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical law, church history, and certain theological discourses.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “churchman”
- Using it to refer to any church attendee (use 'churchgoer').
- Using it as a gender-neutral term.
- Misspelling as 'church man' (should be one word or hyphenated: church-man).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specifically masculine. Gender-neutral alternatives include 'clergy', 'clergyperson', or 'minister'.
Yes, in its extended meaning, it can refer to a layman who is very active and influential in church affairs, though the core meaning is a clergyman.
'Churchwoman' is possible but rare. 'Clergywoman' or specific titles like 'deaconess', 'priest', or 'minister' are more common.
It is formal and has a traditional feel. It is still used in specific religious, historical, or formal contexts but is less common in everyday modern speech than 'clergyman' or 'minister'.
A male member of the clergy.
Churchman is usually formal, literary, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Churchman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃəːtʃmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɜrtʃmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A churchman's purse is never full (rare, proverbial).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A man who works in or for the church -> Church-man.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHURCHMAN IS A PILLAR (of the community/faith).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'churchman' LEAST likely to be used?