1 offertories | Definition of offertories
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offertory

noun
of·​fer·​to·​ry | \ ˈȯ-fÉ™r-ËŒtȯr-Ä“ How to pronounce offertory (audio) , ˈȯ-fÉ™-, ˈä-\
plural offertories

Definition of offertory

1 often capitalized

a : the eucharistic offering of bread and wine to God before they are consecrated
b : a verse from a Psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory
2a : the period of collection and presentation of the offerings of the congregation at public worship
b : a musical composition played or sung during an offertory

Examples of offertory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Stanley also served as an offertory collector during weekly Mass for many years. — courant.com, "Stanley W. Lesinski," 17 May 2018 But when the Communion plates were passed, Trump mistook the silver plates for the offertory, digging out several bills from his pocket, according to the Associated Press. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, "The Only Guy Who Predicted 2016 Did It in 380 B.C.," 30 Dec. 2016

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

First Known Use of offertory

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for offertory

Middle English offertorie, from Medieval Latin offertorium, from Late Latin offerre

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More Definitions for offertory

offertory

noun
How to pronounce offertory (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of offertory

: the offering of bread and wine to God as part of the Communion ceremony during a Christian church service
: a verse from a psalm that is said or sung at the beginning of the Offertory
: the part of a Christian church service during which offerings of money are collected

See the full definition for offertory in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on offertory

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with offertory

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