ministry
//ˈmɪnɪstɹi//
Forms
- Plural
- ministries
Definitions
1.Government department, at the administrative level normally headed by a minister (or equivalent rank, e.g. secretary of state), who holds it as portfolio, especially in a constitutional monarchy, but also as a polity
- He works for the ministry of defence.
- I work for the ministry of education.
- She works for the ministry of finance.
2.The complete body of government ministers (whether or not they are in cabinet) under the leadership of a head of government (such as a prime minister)
- The premier offered his last ministry's resignation to the monarch, and is asked to form a new one in accordance with the election results.
3.A ministration
4.The active practice and education of the minister of a particular religion or faith.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3044
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English mynisterie, borrowed from Old French menistere, in turn borrowed itself from Latin ministerium; equivalent to minister + -y.