benediction
Americannoun
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an utterance of good wishes.
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the form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service.
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a ceremony by which things are set aside for sacred uses, as a church, vestments, or bells.
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Also called Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. (usually initial capital letter) a service consisting of prayers, at least one prescribed hymn, censing of the congregation and the Host, and a blessing of the congregation by moving in the form of a cross the ciborium or monstrance containing the Host.
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the advantage conferred by blessing; a mercy or benefit.
noun
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an invocation of divine blessing, esp at the end of a Christian religious ceremony
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a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament
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the state of being blessed
Other Word Forms
- benedictory adjective
- prebenediction noun
Etymology
Origin of benediction
1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin benedictiōn- (stem of benedictiō ). See Benedictus, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She was the chosen successor of Rep. Sala Burton, a short-timer who took over the House seat held for decades by her late husband, Philip, and who delivered a personal benediction from her deathbed.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025
“Shrinking,” through Goldstein and Louis’ subplot, makes it simple to grant him our sympathy and benediction while admitting that in real life, it would not be so easy.
From Salon • Dec. 14, 2024
Ellen Burstyn closed the luncheon with a benediction to celebrate the honorees, whom she praised.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024
“For this reason, pastoral prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of benediction, requested by one or more persons, that do not transmit a mistaken conception of marriage,” he wrote.
From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2023
The effect of it wasn’t very dignified, so Father retreated back to his pulpit made of wired-together palm fronds and raised up one hand, intending I guess to pronounce the benediction.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
