1
: one that directs : leader
2
a
: a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish
b
: an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights
c
: a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties
3
: the head of a university or school
Examples of rector in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jason Phillip Myers, a associate rector of the church, was arrested Friday by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, according to the letter and Collin County Jail records.
—
James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2024
Norton Healthcare's beginning and growth Norton Healthcare started in 1886 as a single infirmary on the corner of Third and Oak streets named after Rev. John Norton, the associate rector of Christ Church Cathedral.
—Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rector 
James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2024
Norton Healthcare's beginning and growth Norton Healthcare started in 1886 as a single infirmary on the corner of Third and Oak streets named after Rev. John Norton, the associate rector of Christ Church Cathedral.
—Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rector
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rector.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Rector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rector. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rector
noun
rec·tor
ˈrek-tər 
1
: a member of the clergy who has charge of a church or parish
2
: the priest in charge of certain Roman Catholic religious houses
3
: the head of a university or school
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