prayer wheel

noun

: a cylinder of wood or metal that revolves on an axis and contains written prayers and that is used in praying by Tibetan Buddhists

Examples of prayer wheel in a Sentence

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.
Furba spins the prayer wheels surrounding the base of the monastery. Joe Baur, Outside, 31 Oct. 2025 The whole thing, save for the chimney and one piece of art, a prayer wheel, had been reduced to ash. Gideon Mendel, National Geographic, 30 Dec. 2020 There are stupas to marvel at, prayer wheels to turn, and a cafe and a bookshop to enjoy. David Farley, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026 Take the short walking path to the stupas, prayer wheels and meandering paths. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024 There's a cosy bar-lounge filled with historic objects such as prayer wheels and arrow quivers, and a large swimming pool, a yoga pavilion and a full spa. The Week Uk, theweek, 3 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prayer wheel was in 1788

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prayer wheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer%20wheel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prayer wheel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!