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.
Having spent much of his adult life in the Order of St Augustine, whose friars and sisters take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience with a focus on unity and community, his priorities are unity and building bridges.—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 The schools said Pope Leo XIV, an Augustinian friar and Villanova alumnus, was the inspiration for scheduling the game.—ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026 Pope Leo recently wrote the introduction to a new edition of The Practice of the Presence of God, written by 17th century French Carmelite friar Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.—Martin Scorsese, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 Another curveball came from an order of friars.—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 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