miracle

noun

mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl 

1

: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

the healing miracles described in the Gospels

2

: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

The bridge is a miracle of engineering.

3

Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Synonyms

• caution
• flash
• marvel
• phenomenon
• portent
• prodigy
• sensation
• splendor
• wonder

Examples of miracle in a Sentence

She believed that God had given her the power to work miracles.

It would take a miracle for this team to win.

the miracle of his recovery

These days, thanks to the miracle of television, we can watch events happening on the other side of the world.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the ascent of Mr. Boko, a charismatic orator with a flair for promising to defend the downtrodden, reveals the cracks in Botswana’s miracle rags-to-riches story. —Keletso Thobega, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025

Another jokingly compared these offerings to the miracle of the loaves and fishes. —M. R. O’Connor, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

And while Marjan promises them that one day, the same natural miracles, the same ease and spaciousness, await them in English, there’s doubt flickering in everyone’s eyes — even hers. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025

The miracles in this tale of a kind teacher who sees the potential in a troubled kid are distinctly human. —Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin mīrāculum, going back to Latin, "something amazing, marvel," from mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at" + -culum, suffix of instrument (going back to Indo-European *-tlom) — more at admire

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing miracle

• by some miracle
• minor miracle
• miracle drug
• miracle fruit
• miracle play

Kids Definition

miracle

noun

mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl 

1

: an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the supernatural power of God

2

: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

Etymology

Middle English miracle "a miracle," from early French miracle (same meaning), derived from Latin miraculum "a wonder," from mirari "to wonder at" — related to admire