veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person

2

: the act of venerating

3

: the condition of one that is venerated

Examples of veneration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Vatican has announced that St. Mary Major Basilica will remain open for public veneration of Francis' tomb for the next several weeks, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects. —Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025

Francis' may be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning for the veneration of the faithful, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said, according to the Vatican News, adding that final plans would be communicated on April 22. —Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

Maresca would not have been the first Chelsea coach to deploy such methods, but his appreciation of Acheampong has always felt sincere, fitting neatly into his specific veneration of versatility in high-level footballers. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025

The image that Ruby and Myka sold to their viewers relied on the veneration of motherly authority—the idea that the domestic sphere is where women hold court and exert quiet control. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English veneracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French veneratiun, borrowed from Latin venerātiōn-, venerātiō "act of soliciting the good will (of a deity), demonstration of respect or awe," from venerārī "to solicit the good will of (a deity), hold in awe, venerate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for veneration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act of venerating : the state of being venerated

2

: a feeling of deep respect