miracle

American  

[mir-uh-kuhl] / ˈmɪr ə kəl /

noun

1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

3. a wonder; marvel.

4. a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.

   a miracle of modern acoustics.

5. miracle play.

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miracle British  

/ ˈmɪrəkəl /

noun

1. an event that is contrary to the established laws of nature and attributed to a supernatural cause

2. any amazing or wonderful event

3. a person or thing that is a marvellous example of something

   the bridge was a miracle of engineering

4. short for miracle play

5. (modifier) being or seeming a miracle

   a miracle cure

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Etymology

Origin of miracle

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English miracle, miracul, from Old French miracle, from Latin mīrāculum, from mīrā(rī) “to wonder at” + -culum -cle ²

Example Sentences

The holiday “for the rest of us” was popularized by the show as a secular, noncommercial alternative to Christmas that also features an airing of grievances, feats of strength and Festivus miracles.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when Boozer tried to throw a pass across half-court to a wide-open teammate, Demary’s outstretched hand deflected the ball and began to make the miracle possible.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mahon said George was involved in the Communities in Transition programme and described his transformation as "a genuine miracle".

From BBC

Never mind the miracles — according to Scripture, Sarah lived to 127 years old, while Abraham was kicking up dust until he was 175.

From Salon

Then, sufficiently disturbed, he hauls in the AI cheerleaders, a suspiciously positive gang who can envision only medical miracles and grindless lives in which we’re all full-time artists.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• marvel
• phenomenon
• rarity
• revelation
• surprise
• wonder