prayer beads

American  

[prair] / prɛər /

plural noun

1. a rosary.

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prayer beads British  

/ prɛə /

plural noun

1. RC Church the beads of the rosary

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Etymology

Origin of prayer beads

First recorded in 1620–30

Example Sentences

It paid homage to a nurse’s steady hands, to a mother’s prayer beads slipping through her fingers, and to a belief that our stories do not end at the point of collapse.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

A teenager draws his slingshot, while fighters holding prayer beads take control of a Soviet tank, and peasants clutching pitchforks face Soviet soldiers.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Sitting atop a lotus, the Hindu goddess of wisdom holds a book, prayer beads and a classical instrument called a veena in her four hands.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2024

She recalled him studying the Quran, often by candlelight at night and quizzing neighbors about its teachings, always clutching his white prayer beads.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2023

She removes prayer beads from her dress pocket and wraps the string around her hands.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton