liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē 

plural liturgies

1

often capitalized : a eucharistic rite

2

: a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship

a baptismal liturgy

3

: a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

Examples of liturgy in a Sentence

studying the liturgies of different religions

He was studying Christian liturgy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Han wasn’t drawn to Crossroads because of its unorthodox liturgy or impressive growth. —Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024

Such icons were integral parts of the Christian liturgy in Ethiopia. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

Temple imagery pervaded medieval church construction, iconography and biblical sermons, and its liturgy carried in verse and music. —Lynn Whidden, Scientific American, 26 July 2024

Recommended Biden’s immigration announcement explained in 3 questions True monogamy and traditional Christianity are the last taboos to many, says Mr. Castro, who fell in love with the Eastern Orthodox liturgy and converted a few years ago. —Leonardo Bevilacqua, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin liturgia, from Greek leitourgia public service, from Greek (Attic) leïton public building (from Greek laos — Attic leōs — people) + -ourgia -urgy

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈlit-ər-jē 

plural liturgies

: a religious rite or body of rites

liturgical

lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl

li-

adjective