prayer book

American  

[prair] / prɛər /

noun

1. a book containing formal prayers to be used in public or private religious devotions.

2. (usually initial capital letters) Book of Common Prayer.

3. Nautical. a small holystone.

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prayer book British  

/ prɛə /

noun

1. ecclesiast a book containing the prayers used at church services or recommended for private devotions

2. Church of England (often capitals) another name for Book of Common Prayer

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Etymology

Origin of prayer book

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

He said the only object that survived from the minivan was a prayer book, which was barely damaged.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2024

The damage described in the prayer book note suggests that Camerino may have experienced intense shaking, measuring about an 8 on the Mercalli-Cancani-Sieberg intensity scale, Galli said.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

A single Torah scroll costs upward of $30,000; a single holiday prayer book $25 to $50.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

A copy of a prayer book handwritten by a 12-year-old Elizabeth herself in Italian, French and Italian bound in an embroidered cover is held in the British Library.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2023

Encouraged by Father’s good example, Mother pressed her prayer book into my hands.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank