friar

noun

fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
: a member of a mendicant order

Examples of friar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Image Image Today, the convent functions as an infirmary for elderly Dominican friars from the area. Clara Vannucci, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 According to Spanish Franciscan friar Diego de Landa Calderon – most famous for his zeal in destroying Maya codices – the Maya painted human beings before forcing them onto an altar and cutting out their beating hearts. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 1 Dec. 2024 The cardinals will be formally installed by Francis on December 8 with the archbishop of Toronto, Frank Leo, and a British theologian, friar Timothy Radcliffe, also among them. Christopher Lamb, CNN, 6 Oct. 2024 To get in touch with the miraculous Francis, the folkloric Francis, read the Fioretti, or The Little Flowers of St. Francis, a 14th-century collection of tales about the saint and his friars. James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for friar

Word History

Etymology

Middle English frere, fryer, from Anglo-French frere, friere, fraire literally, brother, from Latin fratr-, frater — more at brother

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of friar was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Friar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friar. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

friar

noun
fri·​ar ˈfrī(-ə)r How to pronounce friar (audio)
: a member of a Roman Catholic religious order for men

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