liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē How to pronounce liturgy (audio)
plural liturgies
1
often capitalized : 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
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.
More conservative candidates may look to Benedict XVII, referencing Pope Benedict XVI's focus on theological orthodoxy and traditional liturgy. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 In addition to the changes around LGBTQ+ inclusion, 2021 restrictions on a certain traditionalist liturgy outraged a contingent of Catholics who developed a cynicism about Francis’ reforms mirroring that of the Second Vatican Council. Liam Adams, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 Attendees will also recite the litany of the saints and the Catholic customary prayers of the dead during the liturgy. Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025 The liturgy will use holy oils used in sacraments throughout the year that have been blessed as priests of the diocese renew priestly promises. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for liturgy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of liturgy was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Liturgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liturgy. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

liturgy

noun
lit·​ur·​gy ˈlit-ər-jē How to pronounce liturgy (audio)
plural liturgies
: a religious rite or body of rites
liturgical
lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl
li-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on liturgy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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