Sexton

Pronunciation: /ˈsɛkstən/

Definitions of sexton

noun a person who takes care of a church and churchyard, typically acting as a gravedigger and bell-ringer

Example Sentences

A1 The sexton is responsible for maintaining the church grounds.

A2 The sexton rang the church bell to signal the start of the service.

B1 The sexton's duties include preparing the church for weddings and funerals.

B2 The sexton has been working at the church for over 20 years.

C1 The sexton's meticulous attention to detail ensures the church is always in pristine condition.

C2 The sexton's dedication to his job is evident in the care he takes in maintaining the church.

Examples of sexton in a Sentence

formal The sexton is responsible for the maintenance of the church grounds.

informal I heard the sexton found a lost wedding ring in the garden.

slang The sexton is always out there puttering around the churchyard.

figurative The sexton of the cemetery is like a guardian of the deceased.

Grammatical Forms of sexton

• past tense: sextoned
• plural: sextons
• comparative: more sexton
• superlative: most sexton
• present tense: sextons
• future tense: will sexton
• perfect tense: have sextoned
• continuous tense: is sextoning
• singular: sexton
• positive degree: sexton
• infinitive: to sexton
• gerund: sextoning
• participle: sextoned

Origin and Evolution of sexton

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'sexton' originated from Old English, where it was derived from the word 'sacristan' meaning 'church officer'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'sexton' evolved to specifically refer to an officer or employee of a church responsible for the maintenance of church property and assisting with burials.