vespers

noun

ves·​pers ˈve-spərz 

variants or Vespers

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: the sixth of the canonical hours that is said or sung in the late afternoon or early evening

The pope celebrated with vespers at St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday.

—Astha Rajvanshi

also : the prayer or song of the office of vespers

sing/recite/chant vespers

2

: a service of evening worship featuring mostly music

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French vespres, from Medieval Latin vesperae, from Latin, plural of vespera evening; akin to Latin vesper evening star

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vespers

plural noun

ves·​pers ˈves-pərz 

often capitalized

: a late afternoon or evening church service