What does "rector" mean?
In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.
Rector
/ˈɹɛktɚ/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.
- Grammar: rector is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: minister, pastor, abbe, abuna.
- Useful contrasts: follower, laity, parishioner.
- Usage evidence: The ghost has been seen by several living members of my family, as well as by the rector of the parish, the Rev. Augustus Dampier, who is a fellow of King's College, Cambridge.
How to use "rector"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "rector" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "rector" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "rector" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "rector" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "rector" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "minister" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "rector", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.
"It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers."
- 2 a person authorized to conduct religious worship wordnet
- 3 In the Roman Catholic Church, a cleric with managerial as well as spiritual responsibility for a church or other institution.
- 4 A priest or bishop in the Orthodox Church who is in charge of a parish or in an administrative leadership position in a theological seminary or academy. uncommon
- 5 In a Protestant church, a pastor in charge of a church with administrative and pastoral leadership combined.
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A headmaster or headmistress in various educational institutions, e.g., a university.
- 7 An official in Scottish universities who heads the university court and is elected by and represents the student body. Scotland
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname from German. countable
- 2 A placename, from the surname:; A city in Clay County, Arkansas, United States. countable, uncountable
- 3 A placename, from the surname:; A ghost town in Shannon County, Missouri, United States. countable, uncountable
- 4 A placename, from the surname:; An unincorporated community in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The ghost has been seen by several living members of my family, as well as by the rector of the parish, the Rev. Augustus Dampier, who is a fellow of King's College, Cambridge."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "rector"?
Common synonyms include: minister, pastor, abbe, abuna, academic dean, academic leader.
How do you use "rector" in a sentence?
The ghost has been seen by several living members of my family, as well as by the rector of the parish, the Rev. Augustus Dampier, who is a fellow of King's College, Cambridge.
How do you pronounce "rector"?
Pronounced /ˈɹɛktɚ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Inherited from Middle English rectour, rector, from Old French rector, rectour and Latin rēctor.
Etymology 2
Americanized form of German Richter.