veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person

2

: the act of venerating

3

: the condition of one that is venerated

Examples of veneration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some dismiss Ryan's talkier stretches as Greatest Generation veneration. —Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026

The devotion is often combined with veneration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. —ABC News, 10 June 2026

The star has been the butt of too many mean jokes, the object of veneration and a muse for film and literary retellings that have elevated her into the realm of myth. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 1 June 2026

The target of his satire is not just the wealthy, castle-dwelling Jo Stoyte, clearly modeled on Hearst, but American society writ large, with its trashy consumerism and childish veneration of riches. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English veneracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French veneratiun, borrowed from Latin venerātiōn-, venerātiō "act of soliciting the good will (of a deity), demonstration of respect or awe," from venerārī "to solicit the good will of (a deity), hold in awe, venerate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for veneration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act of venerating : the state of being venerated

2

: a feeling of deep respect