theophany

noun

the·​oph·​a·​ny thē-ˈä-fə-nē How to pronounce theophany (audio)
plural theophanies
: a visible manifestation of a deity
theophanic adjective

Examples of theophany in a Sentence

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.
The winged trio is said by some to symbolize the Holy Trinity and is an elegant example of theophany, or the appearance of a deity, in a painting. Mary Norris, Town & Country, 2 Dec. 2013

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin theophania, from Late Greek theophaneia, from Greek the- + -phaneia (as in epiphaneia appearance) — more at epiphany

First Known Use

circa 1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theophany was circa 1633

Dictionary Entries Near theophany

Cite this Entry

“Theophany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theophany. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on theophany

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!