prayer beads

plural noun

: a string of beads by which prayers are counted
specifically : rosary

Examples of prayer beads 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.
Beyond an airy entry hall, where the gym sold turmeric tea and pricey strands of prayer beads, about thirty women leaned against black BackJacks or sat upright on meditation cushions. Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 The show mocks the tech executive who brandishes his Buddhist prayer beads and engages in animal cruelty. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025 As people leave the building, musicians strike up a raucous tune with a heavy beat and high notes, while others twirl prayer beads over their heads. Ben Wedeman, CNN, 24 June 2024 Most Republicans clutched their prayer beads and paid him the necessary homage by condemning the Manhattan trial. Frank Donatelli, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for prayer beads

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prayer beads was in 1630

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Cite this Entry

“Prayer beads.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer%20beads. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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