kyrie

noun

ky·​rie ˈkir-ē-ˌā How to pronounce kyrie (audio)
often capitalized
: a short liturgical prayer that begins with or consists of the words "Lord, have mercy"

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin kyrie eleison, transliteration of Greek kyrie eleēson Lord, have mercy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kyrie was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near kyrie

Cite this Entry

“Kyrie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kyrie. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on kyrie

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!