prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

often attributive
1
a(1)
: an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought
said a prayer for the success of the voyage
(2)
: a set order of words used in praying
b
: an earnest request or wish
2
: the act or practice of praying to God or a god
kneeling in prayer
3
: a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers
often used in plural
4
: something prayed for
5
: a slight chance
haven't got a prayer

prayer

2 of 2

noun (2)

pray·​er ˈprā-ər How to pronounce prayer (audio)
ˈprer
: one that prays : supplicant

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Noun (1) he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem
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.
Noun
Authorities also added that multiple houses and vehicles were on fire and expressed thoughts and prayers to those affected by the crash. David Chiu, People.com, 22 May 2025 Listen to this article A small group, most wearing light jackets in the chilly May evening, gathered in prayer outside the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City Monday night just hours before Benjamin Ritchie was executed by lethal injection. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025 With more than 155,000 upvotes on TikTok, Milo's inclusion in his owner's daily prayers delighted internet users. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Among participants who had two sessions, the researchers found that a striking number—seventy-nine per cent—reported that the experience had enriched their prayer, their effectiveness in their vocation, and their sense of the sacred in daily life. Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prayer

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex

Noun (2)

Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prayer was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

prayer

noun
ˈpra(ə)r,
ˈpre(ə)r
1
: the act or practice of praying to God
a moment of silent prayer
2
a
: a set of words addressed to God
a prayer of thanksgiving
b
: an earnest request or wish : plea
3
: a religious practice consisting chiefly of prayers
had regular family prayers

Legal Definition

prayer

noun
: the part of a pleading (as a complaint) that specifies the relief sought
also : a request for relief or some other action by the court

More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!