ministry

Plural: ministries

Noun

• The act of ministering; a governmental department.
• religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
• building where the business of a government department is transacted
• a government department under the direction of a minister
• the work of a minister of religion
  • "he is studying for the ministry"
• 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
• 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)
• A ministration
• The active practice and education of the minister of a particular religion or faith.
• The clergy of nonapostolic Protestant churches.
• Work of a spiritual or charitable nature.

Examples

• He works for the ministry of defence.
• Her dedication to Words With Friends felt like a full-time MINISTRY.
• I work for the ministry of education.
• She works for the ministry of finance.
• 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.
• the present ministry of the Holy Spirit
• They work for the ministry of agriculture.