religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
"At the annual meeting, the entire ministry gathered to discuss changes to our local church policies."
building where the business of a government ministry is transacted
"After hours, I walked into the quiet ministry to file my tax documents in person."
a government department under the direction of a minister of state
"The new ministry was established to oversee national healthcare reforms after the election."
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
"After the new coalition was formed, the Prime Minister appointed her to lead the Ministry of Health and begin implementing the proposed healthcare reforms."
In plain English: A ministry is a job where someone helps others by sharing their faith and doing good deeds.
"The new government announced plans to increase funding for the Ministry of Education."
Usage: In everyday usage, "ministry" refers to a government department responsible for a specific area such as health or education, typically led by a minister. Do not confuse this administrative role with the religious term for a local church congregation.
The word ministry comes from the Latin ministerium, which originally meant "service" or "the work of a servant." It entered English through Middle English and Old French before evolving into its current meaning.