blessing

American  

[bles-ing] / ˈblɛs ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or words of a person who blesses.

2. a special favor, mercy, or benefit.

   the blessings of liberty.

   Synonyms:

   bounty, profit, gain, boon, advantage

3. a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.

4. the invoking of God's favor upon a person.

   The son was denied his father's blessing.

5. praise; devotion; worship, especially grace said before a meal.

   The children took turns reciting the blessing.

6. approval or good wishes.

   The proposed law had the blessing of the governor.

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blessing British  

/ ˈblɛsɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of invoking divine protection or aid

2. the words or ceremony used for this

3. a short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace

4. Also called: brachah.   brocho.  Judaism

   1. a short prayer prescribed for a specific occasion and beginning "Blessed art thou, O Lord…"

   2. a section of the liturgy including a similar formula

5. approval; good wishes

   her father gave his blessing to the marriage

6. the bestowal of a divine gift or favour

7. a happy event or state of affairs

   a blessing in disguise

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blessing Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing blessing

• give thanks for small blessings
• mixed blessing

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Etymology

Origin of blessing

First recorded before 900; Middle English blessinge, blessunge, Old English bletsung, bledsung; equivalent to bless + -ing ¹

Explanation

A blessing is a prayer asking for divine protection, or a little gift from the heavens. It's also any act of approving, like when your roommate wants to move out and you give her your blessings. Blessings have to do with approval. The first meaning is asking for divine protection or favor. Priests and ministers say blessings in church, and some families say a blessing before dinner. Outside a religious context, blessings are less formal. "I give you my blessing" simply means "It's OK with me." People give their blessings to ideas and actions when they agree with them. Giving a blessing is often the same as giving permission.

Example Sentences

But that this movie has them talking, and welcoming tangential new members like me into their fold, is its own blessing.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

"At 90, standing for three hours on stage and singing is a blessing," she said in an interview ahead of the show.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics will then pronounce a traditional blessing at 1000 GMT that will be closely followed this year.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Gulf officials said the U.A.E. believes countries in Asia and Europe that are reluctant now would help clear the strait with the blessing of the U.N.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Old Mother Nature’s blessing lay upon a haven of warm friendliness.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• asset
• boon
• gift
• good fortune
• good luck
• kindness
• miracle