Definition of prayer
1a (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 prayingb : 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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of prayer
Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex
Other Christian Religious Terms
Origin and Etymology of prayer
Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + 2-er
Other Christian Religious Terms
PRAYER Defined for Kids
prayer
playDefinition of prayer for Students
1 : words spoken to God a prayer for peace
2 : the act of praying to God We knelt in prayer.
3 : a strong hope or wish It's our prayer that you will return safely.
4 : a set form of words used in praying
5 : a religious service that is mostly prayers evening prayer
Law Dictionary
Learn More about prayer
-
See words that rhyme with prayer Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prayer Spanish Central: Translation of prayer Nglish: Translation of prayer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prayer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up prayer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!