friar

noun

fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r 

: a member of a mendicant order

Examples of friar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The film, which is playing Out of Competition on the Lido, charts the brutality of Spanish friar Padre Enciso over the population in the 17th century. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

Another work, a small double-sided panel portraying the Virgin Mary and Child with a Franciscan friar in adoration on one side and the dead Christ in Pietà on the other, was also stolen. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 17 Aug. 2026

The Chumash rebelled in 1824, the latest in a chain of Native Californian revolts against the friars. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

The mission museum and gift shop are housed in the original Convent Wing, once the residential quarters of Franciscan priests and friars. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing friar

• friar's lantern
• grey friar
• white friar

Rhymes for friar

• acquire
• attire
• bonfire
• campfire
• ceasefire
• conspire
• desire
• enquire
• entire
• greenbrier
• gunfire
• homebuyer

Kids Definition

friar

noun

fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r 

: a member of a Roman Catholic religious order for men