prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈprer 

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 

ˈprer

: one that prays : supplicant

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• orison

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There were also trauma specialists and licensed therapists on hand, along with whatever additional emotional and spiritual support local tribes wanted, from traditional singers and dancers to prayer, smudging, and massage. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2024

At her first meeting as a member of the board last month, Ms. Harrington and the other two members voted 3-0 to end the practice of beginning meetings with prayer. —Jenna Russell John Tully, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2024

Words of comfort were offered, prayers were made, and songs of worship were sung to honor the life of 18-year-old Etavion Barnes. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with Donald’s family during this sad time. —Detroit Free Press, 26 Apr. 2024

Lately a consistent element of his prayers was a plea that war would not come. —CBS News, 26 Apr. 2024

Each felt a calling for their work — Boyd after his prayer for a homeless man to find a job was answered, Schmiedeke after four years spent living on couches and in cars with his mother. —Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Moments before, Crump ran into Ms. Linda, a regular looking for a hug and some prayer. —Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024

Eid al-Fitr prayers in India, trophy winners at the Boston Marathon, the burning of a historic building in Denmark, a wildfire in Kosovo, widespread flooding in Russia, a joyous water festival in Thailand, a music festival in China, and much more Hints: View this page full screen. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing prayer

• evening prayer
• on a wing and a prayer
• prayer beads
• prayer book
• prayer mat
• prayer meeting
• prayer plant
• prayer rug
• prayer shawl
• prayer wheel

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

ˈprer 

: 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