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

Explanation

A benediction is a blessing — either a formal one that you might hear in a church service or an informal one that you might utter when you take any leap of faith. The noun benediction comes from the Latin roots bene, meaning "well" and diction meaning "to speak" — literally to speak well of. Although it is most often used in the religious sense of prayer and blessing — especially a ceremonial prayer at the end of a church service — it can mean any expression of good wishes. "Good luck on the test!" the mother cried in benediction as her son set off for school.

Example Sentences

She was the chosen successor of Rep. Sala Burton, a short-timer who took over the House seat held for decades by her late husband, Philip, and who delivered a personal benediction from her deathbed.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

And on Friday, the Chicago Sun-Times gave the ultimate benediction with its cover.

From Salon • May 10, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 12, 2024

Amid the rooster benediction ceremony, Notre Dame’s new restoration chief, Philippe Jost, also detailed pioneering measures taken to safeguard the iconic cathedral against future fires – in rare comments to the press.

From Washington Times • Dec. 16, 2023

Turner heard them ripping the surface all around him, and felt the diamond spray sprinkle down on him in the moonlight like a benediction.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt

Related Words

• invocation