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
Synonyms
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
Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
So Stacy put out a call for prayers on Facebook, and the growing following answered them with donations that would take care of every one of their expenses.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prayer 
Noun
Please keep the entire Battie family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of heartbreak.
—Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024
So Stacy put out a call for prayers on Facebook, and the growing following answered them with donations that would take care of every one of their expenses.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prayer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prayer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near prayer
Cite this Entry
“Prayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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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