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

Noun (1) he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
At an inaugural prayer service, an Episcopal bishop asked Trump to show mercy to immigrants and L.G.B.T. children. German Lopez, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 At this time, his family is requesting privacy and appreciates your continued thoughts and prayers. Marina Watts, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025 The reverend at the National Cathedral prayer service for the inauguration called on President Trump to have mercy on transgender children and immigrant families in her sermon Tuesday. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 At the inaugural prayer service, the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, made a direct appeal to President Trump, sitting feet away, to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers. Tiffany Stanley and Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prayer 

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 30 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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