Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Francis sought to follow his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th-century Italian friar renowned for poverty, peace, and care of creation.—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025 Image Fra Angelico, the Renaissance artist and Dominican friar who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982, may be the best known.—Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Solidarity with the Santo Spirito friars is growing.—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025 Image Image Today, the convent functions as an infirmary for elderly Dominican friars from the area.—Clara Vannucci, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friar
Word History
Etymology
Middle English frere, fryer, from Anglo-French frere, friere, fraire literally, brother, from Latin fratr-, frater — more at brother
Share