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
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Thursday is the day for Block, Instacart, Pinterest, SMIC, Sony, and Twilio.
Thoughts and prayers for all the tech CFOs out there—plus the CISOs packing for Black Hat and Def Con.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prayer
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Noun
At Moody, the theology major found purpose leading weekly devotionals in her dorm, guiding her peers in prayer.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
Thursday is the day for Block, Instacart, Pinterest, SMIC, Sony, and Twilio.
Thoughts and prayers for all the tech CFOs out there—plus the CISOs packing for Black Hat and Def Con.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
Their children are especially in our thoughts and prayers.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.
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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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