prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

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 How to pronounce prayer (audio)
ˈprer
: one that prays : supplicant

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
For a month, practicing Muslims will fast from dawn to sunset, along with intense prayer and community service. Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2024 We are truly blessed by the outpouring of support and your prayers. Haley Chi-Sing, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2024 Jerusalemites line up for evening Ramadan tarawih prayers outside Al-Aqsa Mosque, March 19, 2024. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2024 Davis, a 6-4 guard from Jacksonville, posted on his social media account Wednesday that after much thought and prayer he's decided to enter the transfer portal and also will explore his opportunities to play professionally. Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2024 Worshipers then and now would recognize the stained glass and Greek mosaics, the Lenten hymns and prayers, and the Catholic priest in ceremonial vestments at the altar. Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2024 Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Mar. 2024 The start of Ramadan, Islam’s annual month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, with a nightly meal followed by special prayers, started March 10 or 11, depending on the congregation. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2024 Featuring Muslim prayer lines and names, the astrolabe was originally intended to help practitioners of Islam perform their daily prayers. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prayer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prayer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near prayer

Cite this Entry

“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on prayer

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