liturgy

noun

lit·​ur·​gy ˈli-tər-jē How to pronounce liturgy (audio)
plural liturgies
1
often Liturgy : 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.
That's why establishments prescribed liturgies and punished those who skipped them. — S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 Many of those at the Mass had been in place for hours to secure a spot for the vibrant liturgy interspersed with music from a local choir. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 The homily during the liturgy of the Word marks the archbishop’s first sermon as archbishop. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026 Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

liturgist
liturgy
Litvak
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Liturgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liturgy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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.com: Encyclopedia article about liturgy

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