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
: one that prays : supplicant
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
Rachel Raposas, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Francis has stayed in control In between respiratory crises, prayer and physiotherapy, Francis has appointed over a dozen bishops, approved a handful of new saints, authorized a three-year extension of his signature reform process and sent off messages public and private.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
All my love and prayers go out to his family and especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, 78% of those 65 and older identify as Christian.
State of prayer: More Houston residents identify as non-Christian or religiously unaffiliated now than in 2014.
67% of Houston residents identify as Christian, down from 73% in 2014.
—Shafaq Patel, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prayer
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Noun
An audio recording of the pope thanking people for their prayers was released on Thursday, March.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Francis has stayed in control In between respiratory crises, prayer and physiotherapy, Francis has appointed over a dozen bishops, approved a handful of new saints, authorized a three-year extension of his signature reform process and sent off messages public and private.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
All my love and prayers go out to his family and especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley.
—Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, 78% of those 65 and older identify as Christian.
State of prayer: More Houston residents identify as non-Christian or religiously unaffiliated now than in 2014.
67% of Houston residents identify as Christian, down from 73% in 2014.
—Shafaq Patel, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prayer
Cite this Entry
“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
prayer
noun
: 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
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