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novena

noun
no·​ve·​na | \ nō-ˈvē-nə How to pronounce novena (audio) \

Definition of novena

: a Roman Catholic period of prayer lasting nine consecutive days

Examples of novena in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Alfie’s plight has been front-page news for weeks in Italy, where supporters launched a nine-day novena cycle of prayer in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday to show solidarity with Alfie, his parents and the pope’s message of support. — Washington Post, "Toddler Alfie Evans’ parents say they’ll work with doctors," 26 Apr. 2018 The Daughters of Charity organized nine days of prayer — a novena — and the child had a full recovery. — Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, "Dr. B. Martin Middleton, former chief of surgery at St. Agnes Hospital," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'novena.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of novena

1853, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for novena

Medieval Latin, from Latin, feminine of novenus nine each, from novem

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with novena

Spanish Central: Translation of novena

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