blessing

noun

bless·​ing ˈble-siŋ How to pronounce blessing (audio)
1
a
: the act or words of one that blesses
say the blessing over the wine
a priestly blessing
b
: approval, encouragement
asked her parents for their blessing before he proposed
2
: a thing conducive to happiness or welfare
My daughter is a blessing to me in my old age.
Their absence turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Count your blessings.
3
: grace (see grace entry 1 sense 5) said at a meal
said the blessing before dinner

Examples of blessing in a Sentence

Presumably he was acting with the government's blessing. They got married without their parents' blessing. We asked the Lord's blessing on us and on our project. He said a blessing before the meal.
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.
They're not overly explained or turned into a seminar, which is a blessing these days. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority gave its blessing to the proposal on Thursday, following the second of two public hearings by the agency. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 Pascal, 50, has already given his blessing, commented on a viral Instagram post about Gountas’ win with a teary-eyed smiley face emoji and a heart. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025 Hagee also cited biblical teachings that promise blessings for those who bless Israel, framing the principle as both a spiritual conviction and a practical truth. Amelie Botbol, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blessing

Word History

Etymology

see bless

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of blessing was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blessing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blessing. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

blessing

noun
bless·​ing
ˈbles-iŋ
1
: the act or words of one that blesses
2
: approval
gave my blessing to the plan
3
: something that makes one happy or content
4
: grace said at a meal

More from Merriam-Webster on blessing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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