ministry Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
  2. noun building where the business of a government department is transacted
  3. noun a government department under the direction of a minister
  4. noun the work of a minister of religion
    • he is studying for the ministry

WordNet

Min"is*try noun
Etymology
L. ministerium. See Minister, n., and cf. Mystery a trade.
Wordforms
plural Ministries
Definitions
  1. The act of ministering; ministration; service. "With tender ministry." Thomson.
  2. Hence: Agency; instrumentality.
    The ordinary ministry of second causes. Atterbury.
    The wicked ministry of arms. Dryden.
  3. The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.
  4. The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body.
  5. Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt.

Webster 1913