miracle

[ mir-uh-kuhl ]

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.

miracle

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of miracle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of miracle¹

C12: from Latin mīrāculum, from mīrārī to wonder at

Example Sentences

By the time Sister Barnes accuses her captor of touting a magic trick as a miracle and Sister Paxton discovers the caged women, the film reveals its own deception.

From Los Angeles Times

In between, McKagan moved to several apartments, including one in Miracle Mile near the El Rey Theater, where he’s performing Wednesday on his Lighthouse tour.

From Los Angeles Times

For Alanna Kathleen Brown, an 80-year-old retired English professor, slow-motion strength training has turned her into a “walking miracle,” she says, climbing onto the seat of the High Row machine at Pure Strength in Studio City.

From Los Angeles Times

“It was a complete miracle. I don’t know how I made it through that without falling off the cliff or burning alive.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I got to say, I think that with the present conditions in the country – I mean, in conventional terms, it would be a miracle that Kamala Harris could win with that kind of headwind,” CNN host Chris Wallace said.

From Salon

Related Words

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