clericals: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Ecclesiastical, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “clericals” mean?
The distinctive clothing worn by the Christian clergy, especially when referring to the vestments or other garments associated with their religious office.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The distinctive clothing worn by the Christian clergy, especially when referring to the vestments or other garments associated with their religious office.
In a broader, more modern secular context, it can refer to office workers or administrative staff (using the adjective 'clerical' as a noun in plural form, though this usage is dated or regional). The primary sense remains the religious one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, pertaining primarily to religious vestments. The archaic secular meaning ('office staff') might be slightly more attested in older British texts but is obsolete in both.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal church hierarchy, tradition, and ritual. Can sometimes carry a slightly ironic or distancing tone if used by non-believers.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in religious, historical, or journalistic contexts discussing church matters.
Grammar
How to Use “clericals” in a Sentence
[Priest/Bishop] + verb (was/wore/stood) + in + clericalsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or sociological studies discussing religion and its symbols.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to liturgics and ecclesiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clericals”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clericals”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clericals”
- Using it as a singular ('a clerical').
- Using it to mean 'office workers' in modern contexts.
- Confusing it with 'clerks'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun. There is no singular form '*a clerical' used for clothing. The singular 'clerical' is an adjective.
Historically and very rarely, yes, but this usage is now considered archaic, non-standard, and confusing. Always use 'clerks', 'office staff', or 'administrative personnel' instead.
'Vestments' is a broader, more general term for all liturgical garments. 'Clericals' is more specific, often referring to the distinctive streetwear or everyday formal wear of clergy (like a clerical collar and suit), though it can also encompass vestments. In practice, they are often used synonymously.
No. It is a specialized term used almost exclusively in religious or related contexts (journalism, history). The average speaker might not know it or might confuse it with the adjective 'clerical'.
The distinctive clothing worn by the Christian clergy, especially when referring to the vestments or other garments associated with their religious office.
Clericals is usually formal, ecclesiastical, specialized in register.
Clericals: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklerɪk(ə)lz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklerɪk(ə)lz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'clericals']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CLERics wear CLERicals' – it's the clothing for clergy.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS IDENTITY / OFFICE (The garments metaphorically represent the role and authority of the wearer).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'clericals' primarily refer to?