prayer wheel

American  

[prair] / prɛər /

noun

1. a wheel or cylinder inscribed with or containing prayers, used chiefly by Buddhists of Tibet.

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prayer wheel British  

/ prɛə /

noun

1. Buddhism (esp in Tibet) a wheel or cylinder inscribed with or containing prayers, each revolution of which is counted as an uttered prayer, so that such prayers can be repeated by turning it

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prayer wheel Cultural  

1. In Buddhism, a cylinder with prayers written on it. The prayer wheel is turned by some worshipers during prayer, or the turning may be used as a substitute for spoken prayers.

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Etymology

Origin of prayer wheel

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Chimacum artist Tom Jay made the bronze community prayer wheel, which rings after you turn it nine times.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2021

With its sunken floor, Claes Oldenburg-esque light fixtures and Tibetan prayer wheel, the place felt more like a scene-y Manhattan restaurant — Tao, Hakkasan — than a cruise dining hall.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2017

We see Catelyn working on some kind of prayer wheel for Bran and Rickon.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2013

I gave a prayer wheel a lazy spin and even yawned as I walked into the central chamber.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 2011

“Like a prayer wheel goin’ round and round,” said Mr. Nancy.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman