missionary

[ mish-uh-ner-ee ]
/ ˈmɪʃ əˌnɛr i /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR missionary ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural mis·sion·ar·ies. Also mis·sion·er.

a person sent by a church into an area to carry on evangelism or other activities, as educational or hospital work.
a person strongly in favor of a program, set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others.
a person who is sent on a mission.

adjective

Origin of missionary

From the New Latin word missiōnārius, dating back to 1635–45. See mission, -ary

OTHER WORDS FROM missionary

non·mis·sion·ar·y, adjective, noun, plural non·mis·sion·ar·ies.

Words nearby missionary

mission control, mission creep, mission specialist, mission statement, mission viejo, missionary, missionary apostolic, missionary position, missionary ridge, missioner, missionize

Words related to missioner

herald, evangelist, apostle, pastor, promoter, preacher, propagandist, messenger, minister, clergy, teacher, converter, revivalist, clergyperson, proselytizer

Example sentences from the Web for missioner

British Dictionary definitions for missioner (1 of 2)

missioner
/ (ˈmɪʃənə) /

noun

a less common name for missionary
a person heading a parochial mission in a Christian country

British Dictionary definitions for missioner (2 of 2)

missionary
/ (ˈmɪʃənərɪ) /

noun plural -aries

a member of a religious mission

adjective

of or relating to missionaries missionary work
resulting from a desire to convert people to one's own beliefs missionary zeal