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

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

Noun

Pope Francis also offered a public prayer for those on death row on December 8, asking for the sentences to be commuted or changed. —Sophie Clark, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

What’s really holy, Hirsch seems to imply, is not just a synagogue’s glittering stained glass or the imposing notes of the organ, or even the words of the prayers. —Edward Hirsch, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2024

City Church Lead Pastor Tom Flaherty opened with prayer, asking for God’s help to receive comfort so that healing can begin. —Erik S. Hanley, Journal Sentinel, 21 Dec. 2024

And keep Kelex in your thoughts and prayers as Superman is shown cradling the beloved robot on the ground in the Fortress of Solitude in a pose that never means anything good. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 19 Dec. 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