miracle

American  

[mir-uh-kuhl] / ˈmɪr ə kəl /

noun

1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

3. a wonder; marvel.

4. a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.

   a miracle of modern acoustics.

5. miracle play.

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miracle British  

/ ˈmɪrəkəl /

noun

1. an event that is contrary to the established laws of nature and attributed to a supernatural cause

2. any amazing or wonderful event

3. a person or thing that is a marvellous example of something

   the bridge was a miracle of engineering

4. short for miracle play

5. (modifier) being or seeming a miracle

   a miracle cure

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Etymology

Origin of miracle

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English miracle, miracul, from Old French miracle, from Latin mīrāculum, from mīrā(rī) “to wonder at” + -culum -cle ²

Example Sentences

In Niagara’s eerie silence, some of the newly faithful predicted miracles, others the world’s end.

From Literature

People came from miles around to see the miracle.

From Literature

The 42-year-old dictator was also credited with having performed three miracles: personally overseeing the rescue of citizens from a major flood, reviving that hard-hit area and completing work on a modern greenhouse farm.

From The Wall Street Journal

By almost any measure—of timing, era, genius, kismet—the Beatles were a miracle.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We still believe in a miracle, we still believe that she can come home - hope against hope," said the presenter.

From BBC

Related Words

• marvel
• phenomenon
• rarity
• revelation
• surprise
• wonder