benediction

American  

[ben-i-dik-shuhn] / ˌbɛn ɪˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

1. an utterance of good wishes.

2. the form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service.

3. a ceremony by which things are set aside for sacred uses, as a church, vestments, or bells.

4. Also called Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  (usually initial capital letter) a service consisting of prayers, at least one prescribed hymn, censing of the congregation and the Host, and a blessing of the congregation by moving in the form of a cross the ciborium or monstrance containing the Host.

5. the advantage conferred by blessing; a mercy or benefit.

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benediction British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈdɪkʃən /

noun

1. an invocation of divine blessing, esp at the end of a Christian religious ceremony

2. a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament

3. the state of being blessed

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Other Word Forms

• benedictory adjective
• prebenediction noun

Etymology

Origin of benediction

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin benedictiōn- (stem of benedictiō ). See Benedictus, -ion

Example Sentences

But even he receives a mote of benediction, especially when he commits sins he can’t undo.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

Ma also offered a benediction to the repair shop, playing the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major on the same borrowed cello.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025

Ellen Burstyn closed the luncheon with a benediction to celebrate the honorees, whom she praised.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

“Because when a benediction is requested, it is expressing a request for help from God, a plea to be able to live better, a trust in a father who can help us to live better.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2023

He has captured the sun, given a blessing to the world, a benediction of color.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• invocation