blessing

noun

bless·​ing ˈble-siŋ 

1

a

: the act or words of one that blesses

say the blessing over the wine

a priestly blessing

b

: approval, encouragement

asked her parents for their blessing before he proposed

2

: a thing conducive to happiness or welfare

My daughter is a blessing to me in my old age.

Their absence turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Count your blessings.

3

: grace (see grace entry 1 sense 5) said at a meal

said the blessing before dinner

Synonyms

• benediction
• benison

Examples of blessing in a Sentence

Presumably he was acting with the government's blessing.

They got married without their parents' blessing.

We asked the Lord's blessing on us and on our project.

He said a blessing before the meal.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fans showed love to the couple, sharing blessings and positive messages of affirmation for Nelson during her journey. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024

In this context, the slower-than-expected pace of multi-lateral real-time initiatives might actually be a hidden blessing. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

What a blessing to be part of such an amazing show that started an entire genre of television. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Nov. 2024

Bishop died there in 2013 at the age of 77. June 16, 1979: ‘Son of Svengoolie’ debuts Rich Koz, who landed a spot on the original show after mailing Bishop ideas for jokes then became Bishop’s co-writer and protege, launched the new take on Svengoolie — with Bishop’s blessing. —Marianne Mather, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see bless

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing blessing

• mixed blessing
• second blessing

Kids Definition

blessing

noun

bless·​ing

ˈbles-iŋ

1

: the act or words of one that blesses

2

: approval

gave my blessing to the plan

3

: something that makes one happy or content

4

: grace said at a meal