prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈprer 

often attributive

1

a(1)

: an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought

said a prayer for the success of the voyage

(2)

: a set order of words used in praying

b

: an earnest request or wish

2

: the act or practice of praying to God or a god

kneeling in prayer

3

: a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers

—often used in plural

4

: something prayed for

5

: a slight chance

haven't got a prayer

prayer

2 of 2

noun (2)

pray·​er ˈprā-ər 

ˈprer

: one that prays : supplicant

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• orison

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Noun (1)

he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep

we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Dozens of people gathered at the school district's offices for a prayer vigil Thursday. —CBS News, 10 May 2024

The call to prayer reminded Caramazza of her childhood spent in Jordan. —Hoda Sherif, TIME, 10 May 2024

Blue tarps and blankets were put down in the middle of the lawn for Islamic prayers and a Passover Seder and a Shabbat service. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024

Tennessee prayer vigil draws 500 after storm injures 10-year-old boy About 500 people gathered in a Tennessee parking lot Thursday to show their support for 10-year-old Asher Sullivan after he was gravely injured in the brutal storm. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024

But the most important of all are her daily prayer and meditation sessions. —Essence, 8 May 2024

The families of Sherrill and Holmes deserve our prayers and our help. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2024

At Columbia last Friday, a faculty member walked the perimeter of the encampment discouraging news cameramen from filming those inside, while students held up large blankets to further obscure people kneeling in prayer. —Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 2 May 2024

There were also trauma specialists and licensed therapists on hand, along with whatever additional emotional and spiritual support local tribes wanted, from traditional singers and dancers to prayer, smudging, and massage. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex

Noun (2)

Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prayer

• evening prayer
• on a wing and a prayer
• prayer beads
• prayer book
• prayer mat
• prayer meeting
• prayer plant
• prayer rug
• prayer shawl
• prayer wheel

Kids Definition

prayer

noun

ˈpra(ə)r,

ˈpre(ə)r

1

: the act or practice of praying to God

a moment of silent prayer

2

a

: a set of words addressed to God

a prayer of thanksgiving

b

: an earnest request or wish : plea

3

: a religious practice consisting chiefly of prayers

had regular family prayers

Legal Definition

prayer

noun

ˈprer 

: the part of a pleading (as a complaint) that specifies the relief sought

also : a request for relief or some other action by the court