liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē 

plural liturgies

1

often Liturgy : a eucharistic rite

2

: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship

a baptismal liturgy

3

: a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

Examples of liturgy in a Sentence

studying the liturgies of different religions

He was studying Christian liturgy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026

Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. —Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026

Masses along with additional liturgies later in the day. —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026

Many Protestants — particularly those in Episcopal, Lutheran and other historic churches — also mark Ash Wednesday with similar liturgies. —ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin liturgia, from Greek leitourgia public service, from Greek (Attic) leïton public building (from Greek laos — Attic leōs — people) + -ourgia -urgy

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈlit-ər-jē 

plural liturgies

: a religious rite or body of rites

liturgical

lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl, 

li-

adjective