miracle

noun

mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
1
: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
the healing miracles described in the Gospels
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
The bridge is a miracle of engineering.
3
Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Examples of miracle in a Sentence

She believed that God had given her the power to work miracles. It would take a miracle for this team to win. the miracle of his recovery These days, thanks to the miracle of television, we can watch events happening on the other side of the world.
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.
The heroic game five effort from the Celtics felt like the start of a miracle. Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 To top that, 2001 Miami would’ve needed to obliterate everything on its schedule, not require a bouncy miracle to beat Boston College. Chris Branch, New York Times, 20 May 2025 The kid was spitting fire on that stage — and maybe, just maybe did enough to pull off the miracle that was gonna be needed to get him the win. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 19 May 2025 Fixing them is equal parts scientific miracle, big business, and human tragedy—a gnarly, technically complex procedure that requires months or years of painful recovery. The Atlantic, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for miracle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin mīrāculum, going back to Latin, "something amazing, marvel," from mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at" + -culum, suffix of instrument (going back to Indo-European *-tlom) — more at admire

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of miracle was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Miracle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

miracle

noun
mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
1
: an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the supernatural power of God
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
Etymology

Middle English miracle "a miracle," from early French miracle (same meaning), derived from Latin miraculum "a wonder," from mirari "to wonder at" — related to admire

More from Merriam-Webster on miracle

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