bless

verb

blessed ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) also blest ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) ; blessing

transitive verb

1
religion : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
asked the priest to bless their marriage
Bless this home.
2
religion : to hallow with the sign of the cross
He blessed himself before liftoff.
3
: to invoke divine care for
bless your heart
used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
4
a
: praise, glorify
bless his holy name
b
: to speak well of : approve
5
: to confer prosperity or happiness upon
God has blessed us with four children.
6
archaic : protect, preserve
Bless me from marrying a usurer!Shakespeare
7
: endow, favor
blessed with athletic ability

Examples of bless in a Sentence

The priest blessed their marriage at the wedding. The water for the baptism has been blessed. The priest blessed the baby I held in my arms.
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.
Some parks, however, are blessed with ample indoor options. Matt Alderton, USA Today, 25 June 2025 This product leaves my skin feeling deeply moisturized and blessed after each shower. Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025 The spooky portent of the Paul Simon song slipped away as, for a few minutes, just about everyone in the crowd had to all be wondering whether, with access to spirit-rousing music even in dystopian times, we might still be forever blessed after all. Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2025 We are blessed with beautiful and wonderful children who will continue to be the center of our world in every way. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bless

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bless. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

bless

verb
blessed ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) also blest ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) ; blessing
1
: to make holy : hallow
2
: to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3
: to ask divine care or protection for
4
: to praise or honor as holy
5
: to make successful or happy
6
Etymology

Old English blētsian, blēdsian "to bless, to consecrate (originally with blood)," derived from blōd "blood"

More from Merriam-Webster on bless

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