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

specifically, law : the part of a pleading (as a complaint) that specifies the relief sought

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 or wished for

It's our prayer that peace will come to the region.

The house seemed like the answer to all my prayers. [=the house had everything that I hoped 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 of prayer

Noun (1)

• petition
• request
• collect
• thanksgiving
• orison

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

Noun

Australia‘s Jewish community gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Friday for prayers, while hundreds of swimmers and surfers formed a huge circle in the waters off the beach to honor victims. —Reuters, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025

This moment demands more than thoughts and prayers. —Mia Tretta, Time, 18 Dec. 2025

Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. —Ashley Carnahan , Ryan Gaydos , Ryan Morik , Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025

Just three octogenarian nuns sitting in quiet prayer. —Esme Nicholson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for prayer

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

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