friar

noun

fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
Synonyms of friarnext
: a member of a mendicant order

Examples of friar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the 13th century, German Dominican friar and scientist Albertus Magnus, was among the first to formally recognize and document European leafy mistletoe (Viscum album) as a plant parasite. Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 17 Dec. 2025 Where to Go Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, an iconic Italian friar and the founder of the Franciscan Order, is a great place to start your Umbrian adventure. Matteo Della Grazia, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025 There once lived an Italian friar named Joseph, an almost exact contemporary of Descartes. Christian Wiman, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025 Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, a Dominican friar based in Rome, Italy, told Fox News Digital the Dozulé messages inspired curiosity in some circles. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friar

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frere, fryer, from Anglo-French frere, friere, fraire literally, brother, from Latin fratr-, frater — more at brother

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of friar was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friar. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

friar

noun
fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
: a member of a Roman Catholic religious order for men

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