Ave Maria

[ ah-vey muh-ree-uh ]

noun

1. (italics) the first two words of the Latin version of a prayer in the Roman Catholic Church, based on the salutation of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary and the words of Elizabeth to her.
2. a recitation of this prayer.
3. the bead or beads on a rosary used to count off each prayer as spoken.

Ave Maria

/ məˈriːə /

noun

1. See Hail Mary
   another name for Hail Mary

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ave Maria¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; ave

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ave Maria¹

C14: from Medieval Latin: hail, Mary!

Example Sentences

A soaring “Ave Maria” and a tender “Danny Boy” marked the passing of two more brothers.

From The Daily Beast

Yet it seemed to her as though days had elapsed since she sang the Ave Maria in the cathedral.

From Project Gutenberg

In a moment a soft and sympathetic voice was singing the first notes of Tosti's 'Ave Maria.'

From Project Gutenberg

At the ringing of Ave Maria the great crowd linked in files and turned their faces towards the Corso.

From Project Gutenberg

Visitors should attend vespers here, the nuns singing choral service; it commences half an hour before Ave Maria.

From Project Gutenberg

His body is interred at the Cordeliers, and his heart deposited at the Ave-Maria.

From Project Gutenberg