miracle

noun mir·a·cle \ ˈmir-i-kəl \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of miracle

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

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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 of miracle from the Web

More: Tiger-mania is back and his competition is eating it up More: Tiger Woods is a favorite at the Masters, nothing short of a miracleWhat in the name of Hootie Johnson is going on?

— christine brennan, USA TODAY, "It's time to applaud Augusta National for giving women's golf a prominent platform," 4 Apr. 2018
Witness sleight of hand miracles combined with a touch of comedy during this magic show with universal appeal to all ages.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Manchester Edition," 3 Apr. 2018
But players want nothing short of a miracle to save what many considered their primary post-work pastime.

— nick statt, The Verge, "The never-ending Destiny 2 controversy is a teachable moment for the game industry," 30 Mar. 2018
What Kim Chi can do with makeup is nothing short of a miracle, and her imaginative runway looks kept her at the top of the season’s pack even though her endearing clumsiness didn’t do her any favors in performances.

— caroline framke, Vox, "11 moments that took RuPaul’s Drag Race from scrappy underdog to pop culture behemoth," 22 Mar. 2018
The verdict: Strengthening your pecs could make your boobs look perkier—but don’t expect miracles.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "7 Things You Can and Can’t Do About Saggy Breasts," 20 Mar. 2018
The sea around him spreads away, miracle-stuffed, glowing with vitality.

— james parker, The Atlantic, "Blue Planet II," 10 Mar. 2018
By the time the plan was completed, the continent was on the verge of an economic miracle.

— The Economist, "Will China’s Belt and Road Initiative outdo the Marshall Plan?," 8 Mar. 2018
Most important, cherish accidents and enjoy failures because out of them come miracles.

— marc freeman, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Laugh-In' at 50: How the Comedy Helped Elect Nixon and Set the Stage for 'SNL'," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'miracle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of miracle

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

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First Known Use: 12th century

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