offertory

noun of·fer·to·ry \ ˈȯ-fər-ˌtȯr-ē , ˈȯ-fə- , ˈä- \

Definition of offertory

plural offertories

1 often capitalized

a : the eucharistic offering of bread and wine to God before they are consecrated

b : a verse from a Psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory

2 a : the period of collection and presentation of the offerings of the congregation at public worship

b : a musical composition played or sung during an offertory

See offertory defined for English-language learners

See offertory defined for kids

Recent Examples of offertory from the Web

Stanley also served as an offertory collector during weekly Mass for many years.

— courant.com, "Stanley W. Lesinski," 17 May 2018
But when the Communion plates were passed, Trump mistook the silver plates for the offertory, digging out several bills from his pocket, according to the Associated Press.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The Only Guy Who Predicted 2016 Did It in 380 B.C.," 30 Dec. 2016

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

Origin and Etymology of offertory

Middle English offertorie, from Medieval Latin offertorium, from Late Latin offerre

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

OFFERTORY Defined for English Language Learners

offertory

noun

Definition of offertory for English Language Learners

: the offering of bread and wine to God as part of the Communion ceremony during a Christian church service
: a verse from a psalm that is said or sung at the beginning of the Offertory
: the part of a Christian church service during which offerings of money are collected