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

Don’t miss the bronze prayer wheel, playful art pieces and peaceful bench swing looking out on spectacular harbor views.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2021

It’s written inside every prayer wheel in this largely Buddhist part of India.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2018

You could say that Tshering has not so much abandoned his religious practice as transferred it — exchanged the Buddhist prayer wheel for the spoked and metal-rimmed kind.

From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2014

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

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman