prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈprer 

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 

ˈprer

: one that prays : supplicant

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• orison

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This would still include night and day prayer with worship in the context of a church. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024

At one point, where we were held at gunpoint, saying our last prayers. —TIME, 15 Apr. 2024

Resting inside a glass case is a tallit – a thin religious cloth traditionally worn by Jews in prayer and during burial. —Leonardo Bevilacqua, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2024

The morning started with prayer and a sermon, then erupted in celebration. —Ellie Silverman, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

But commonly after Eid prayers in the morning, friends and families will gather and spend time together at each other’s homes, enjoying sweets and delicious food. —The Enquirer, 9 Apr. 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said that on or about Wednesday, Muslims in America will mark the end of Ramadan with communal prayers around the country. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Muslims are also obligated to pay Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity of food that must be given before the Eid prayer. —Abigail Beck, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024

At some mosques in Michigan, Muslims are to gather for group prayers at the time of the eclipse according to Islamic tradition. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing prayer

• evening prayer
• on a wing and a prayer
• prayer beads
• prayer book
• prayer mat
• prayer meeting
• prayer plant
• prayer rug
• prayer shawl
• prayer wheel

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

ˈprer 

: 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