liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē How to pronounce liturgy (audio)
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
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for liturgy 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of liturgy was in 1560

Dictionary Entries Near liturgy

liturgist

liturgy

Litvak

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Liturgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liturgy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

liturgy

noun
lit·​ur·​gy ˈlit-ər-jē How to pronounce liturgy (audio)
plural liturgies
: a religious rite or body of rites
liturgical
lə-ˈtər-ji-kəl
li-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on liturgy

Nglish: Translation of liturgy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of liturgy for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liturgy

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