liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē 

plural liturgies

1

often capitalized : a eucharistic rite

2

: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship

a baptismal liturgy

3

: a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

Examples of liturgy in a Sentence

studying the liturgies of different religions

He was studying Christian liturgy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vestments, which will be worn in liturgies permanently — forever, as Castelbajac put it — carry a sense of continuity with his past work. —Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024

The tradition remembers this journey in the way that liturgy remembers: by inviting the participants to enact the journey ourselves. —Eileen O’Brien, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2024

It is read and reflected on as part of the liturgy of the hours for Sept. 5 each year. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 6 Sep. 2024

Ultimately, las Posadas is a liturgy that rigorously reorients the community to bear witness to God’s love. —Eileen O’Brien, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin liturgia, from Greek leitourgia public service, from Greek (Attic) leïton public building (from Greek laos — Attic leōs — people) + -ourgia -urgy

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈlit-ər-jē 

plural liturgies

: a religious rite or body of rites

liturgical

lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl

li-

adjective