holy orders: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, religious/ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “holy orders” mean?
The sacrament or rite of ordination in Christian churches, conferring the status of clergy (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sacrament or rite of ordination in Christian churches, conferring the status of clergy (e.g., deacon, priest, bishop).
The formal status of being a member of the clergy; the ranks of ordained ministers collectively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties within religious contexts. American English may more frequently use 'to be ordained' alongside 'to take holy orders'.
Connotations
Identical formal, theological connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, confined to religious discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “holy orders” in a Sentence
He took holy orders in 1995.She is in holy orders.The bishop conferred holy orders upon the candidates.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy orders” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is considering whether to take holy orders.
American English
- She decided to receive holy orders after seminary.
adjective
British English
- The holy orders ceremony was deeply moving.
American English
- His holy orders status granted him certain canonical rights.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or religious studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions of someone's career or vocation within a religious community.
Technical
Specific ecclesiastical/ canonical term denoting the sacrament and its grades.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy orders”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy orders”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy orders”
- Using it in singular: *'a holy order'.
- Using it to refer to monastic vows (which are different).
- Confusing with 'Holy Orders' as a name for a specific religious group.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always used in the plural form (orders), even when referring to the concept as a whole (e.g., 'Holy orders is a sacrament').
This depends on the Christian denomination. In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, holy orders are reserved for men. In Anglican, Lutheran, and many Protestant churches, women can be ordained.
'Holy orders' refers to ordination as clergy (deacon, priest, bishop). 'Religious orders' refer to communities of monks, nuns, or friars who take vows (like Benedictines, Franciscans). A person can be in both (e.g., a Jesuit priest).
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in formal religious or historical contexts.
The sacrament or rite of ordination in Christian churches, conferring the status of clergy (e.
Holy orders is usually formal, religious/ecclesiastical in register.
Holy orders: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈɔːdəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈɔːrdərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Called to holy orders”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a priest receiving a scroll with ORDERS from a holy (HOLY) source, commanding them to serve.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS VOCATION IS A MILITARY/ADMINISTRATIVE RANK (receiving 'orders' from a higher authority).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'holy orders' specifically refer to?