ordination

noun

or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯr-də-ˈnā-shən 

: the act or an instance of ordaining : the state of being ordained

Examples of ordination in a Sentence

He is a candidate for ordination.

After his ordination, he will be assigned to a local parish.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most students who complete these programs are not seeking traditional ordination as rabbis. —Michal Raucher, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026

The encounter between Christianity’s two most famous religious figures would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, given the divisions between their two churches over women’s ordination in general and Mullally's appointment in particular. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

The Rabbanut exams test halachic knowledge, but so do semikha (ordination) exams administered outside the rabbinate’s system, including those of Yeshivat Maharat, Yeshiva University and Ohr Torah Stone. —Rabba Sara Hurwitz, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

In 1992 a Nigerian bishop ordained three women as deacons, but the primate soon nullified those ordinations. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ordination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

ordination

noun

or·​di·​na·​tion ˌȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən 

: the act of ordaining : the state of being ordained