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

In particular the veneration of nationalistic, expansionist and militaristic periods of history. —Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025

The veneration of Washington is fairly grounded in four distinct, civic-minded stages of his very public life. —Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

The veneration of relics of saints was already well established in the early church. —Therese Cory, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025

The relics of the monastery’s saintly founder were on view for public veneration. —Therese Cory, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025

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