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
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The International Union of Catholic Esperantists (Internacia Katolika Unuiĝo Esperantista, or IKUE) was formed in 1910, receiving support from the Vatican and universalist-minded friars. Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Nearly 500 years before, a Franciscan friar arrived in what is now the state of Jalisco carrying a 13-inch icon of the Virgin Mary that had been molded by Indigenous craftsmen from a paste of corn pith and orchid bulbs. Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026 As the first year of Leo’s historic pontificate comes to a close, the longtime missionary and Augustinian friar remains a stalwart champion of migrants, the poor and care for the environment, a trinity of issues at the core of his ministry. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 But its origins date back even further to the early 15th century, when it was built as a monastery for an order of Franciscan friars. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Friar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friar. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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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