NYT Dictionary
OFFICIANT
/əˈfɪʃi.ənt/NounOF-fi-ci-antof-fi-ci-ant · 4 syllablesCollege
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
A person who officiates at a religious ceremony (in Christianity, at any ceremony other than the Eucharist).
Etymology
Origin: Latin
From Medieval Latin officiāns, present participle of officiō, officiāre (“to perform a duty or service”) (not to be confused with Classical officiō, officere (“to obstruct, hinder”)), a denominal verb from officium (“duty, service”).
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: