friar

noun

fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
: a member of a mendicant order

Examples of friar 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 Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a Catholic religious order of Franciscan friars, was founded in Italy. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 8 Nov. 2024 Dreher, who was close with Vance at the time, introduced him to a group of Dominican friars in Washington. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 In recent years, Joe cooked for the friars at St. Francis and at 1883 Kitchen at Kroger, Downtown. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 27 Sep. 2024 In recent years, Joe Tucker spent his time cooking for the friars at Saint Francis Seraph Catholic Church, in Over-the-Rhine, and working shifts at the On-the-Rhine Eatery inside the downtown Kroger. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for friar 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frere, fryer, from Anglo-French frere, friere, fraire literally, brother, from Latin fratr-, frater — more at brother

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of friar was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near friar

Cite this Entry

“Friar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friar. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

friar

noun
fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
: a member of a Roman Catholic religious order for men
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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