Langimage
English

rosary

|ro-sa-ry|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈroʊzəri/

🇬🇧

/ˈrəʊzəri/

prayer beads

Etymology
Etymology Information

'rosary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'rosarium,' where 'rosa' meant 'rose.'

Historical Evolution

'rosarium' transformed into the Old French word 'rosaire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rosary' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a rose garden,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a string of prayer beads.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a string of beads used in counting prayers, especially in the Roman Catholic Church.

She carried a rosary in her pocket for comfort.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a series of prayers recited in the Catholic Church, often using a rosary.

The congregation gathered to say the rosary.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/09 01:32