Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

breviary

noun
bre·​via·​ry | \ˈbrē-və-rē, -vyə-, -vē-ˌer-ē, -ˌe-rē also ˈbre-\
plural breviaries

Definition of breviary 

1 often capitalized

a : a book of the prayers, hymns, psalms, and readings for the canonical hours

b : divine office

2 [ Latin breviarium ] : a brief summary

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about breviary

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of breviary in a Sentence

a speech that could serve as a breviary for impeachment

First Known Use of breviary

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for breviary

Middle English breviarie, from Medieval Latin breviarium, from Latin, summary, from brevis

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about breviary

Statistics for breviary

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for breviary

The first known use of breviary was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on breviary

See words that rhyme with breviary

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for breviary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breviary

Comments on breviary

What made you want to look up breviary? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

exculpate

to clear from alleged fault or guilt

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games