miracle play: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic/Literary
Quick answer
What does “miracle play” mean?
A medieval dramatic performance based on stories from the Bible or the lives of saints.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medieval dramatic performance based on stories from the Bible or the lives of saints.
A type of religious drama popular in Europe from the 10th to the 16th century, often performed by trade guilds during religious festivals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically in academic/literary contexts.
Connotations
Historical, educational, religious heritage.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech; primarily encountered in literature, drama, or history studies.
Grammar
How to Use “miracle play” in a Sentence
The [guild] performed a miracle play.A miracle play about [biblical figure] was staged.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in literature, drama, and medieval history courses.
Everyday
Rarely used outside educational contexts.
Technical
Specific term in theatre history and medieval studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “miracle play”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “miracle play”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miracle play”
- Using 'miracle play' to refer to any play with miraculous events (modern usage incorrect).
- Confusing with 'morality play' (which teaches moral lessons rather than depicting saints' lives).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholars sometimes distinguish them (miracle plays focus on saints' lives, mystery plays on biblical events), but the terms are often used interchangeably.
From the 10th to the 16th century, particularly in England and France.
Often performed by trade guilds (e.g., carpenters, bakers) in town squares or churches.
Yes, occasionally in historical reenactments or at specific festivals (e.g., York Mystery Plays).
A medieval dramatic performance based on stories from the Bible or the lives of saints.
Miracle play is usually academic/literary in register.
Miracle play: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪrək(ə)l pleɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪrək(ə)l pleɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIRACLE (wonder) + PLAY (drama) = a play about miraculous biblical events.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS STORY AS PUBLIC PERFORMANCE
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'miracle play'?