prayer

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈprer 

often attributive

1

a(1)

: an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought

said a prayer for the success of the voyage

(2)

: a set order of words used in praying

b

: an earnest request or wish

2

: the act or practice of praying to God or a god

kneeling in prayer

3

: a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers

—often used in plural

4

: something prayed for

5

: a slight chance

haven't got a prayer

prayer

2 of 2

noun (2)

pray·​er ˈprā-ər 

ˈprer

: one that prays : supplicant

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• orison

Examples of prayer in a Sentence

Noun (1)

he always directed a bedside prayer to God before going to sleep

we hope that the governor will hear our prayer and do something about this pressing problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The family has asked that everyone keep Nathan in their prayers. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Barnes texted Vitale a prayer every day for a year, and on Dec. 12, Vitale will get a full body scan. —Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The consecration, involving holy water, chrism oil, incense and prayer, transforms the altar into a sacred centerpiece of the cathedral. —Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The Adass Israel Synagogue in the city’s south – one of Australia’s most significant Jewish centers – burst into flames early on Friday sending worshippers fleeing during overnight prayers. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex

Noun (2)

Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prayer

• evening prayer
• on a wing and a prayer
• prayer beads
• prayer book
• prayer mat
• prayer meeting
• prayer plant
• prayer rug
• prayer shawl
• prayer wheel

Kids Definition

prayer

noun

ˈpra(ə)r,

ˈpre(ə)r

1

: the act or practice of praying to God

a moment of silent prayer

2

a

: a set of words addressed to God

a prayer of thanksgiving

b

: an earnest request or wish : plea

3

: a religious practice consisting chiefly of prayers

had regular family prayers

Legal Definition

prayer

noun

ˈprer 

: the part of a pleading (as a complaint) that specifies the relief sought

also : a request for relief or some other action by the court