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 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 She will be expected to support communities including monks, nuns, and friars who live according to specific spiritual rules such as Benedictines and Franciscans. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 In the case of poinsettia, Franciscan friars during the 17th century co-opted its use to decorate nativity scenes and altars, as well as to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 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 16 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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