prayer book: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “prayer book” mean?
A book containing the texts of prayers and religious services, used by worshippers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A book containing the texts of prayers and religious services, used by worshippers.
Any book containing prescribed forms for prayer and worship within a particular religious tradition; sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a guide or rulebook of any kind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally common in both varieties. The specific editions (e.g., Book of Common Prayer in Anglican/Episcopalian tradition) are culturally significant in both the UK and US.
Connotations
In the UK, 'prayer book' often specifically connotes the Anglican Book of Common Prayer due to its historical role. In the US, it may refer to a wider variety of religious texts from different denominations.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, with slightly higher frequency in the UK due to the established Church and cultural references.
Grammar
How to Use “prayer book” in a Sentence
bring [OBJECT: a prayer book]read from [OBJECT: the prayer book]consult [OBJECT: her prayer book]contained in [OBJECT: the prayer book]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prayer book” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No direct verb form. Related verb: 'to pray')
American English
- (No direct verb form. Related verb: 'to pray')
adverb
British English
- (No direct adverb form)
American English
- (No direct adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The prayer-book service felt traditional.
- He had a prayer-book knowledge of the liturgy.
American English
- The prayer-book reform was controversial.
- She followed the prayer-book instructions closely.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The employee handbook is the company prayer book.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or liturgical studies.
Everyday
Common in religious communities; otherwise infrequent.
Technical
Specific term in liturgics and religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prayer book”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prayer book”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prayer book”
- Spelling as 'prayerbook' (though sometimes hyphenated 'prayer-book', the open form is standard).
- Pronouncing 'prayer' like 'player'.
- Confusing with 'hymnal' (a book of hymns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a proper noun unless it is part of the title of a specific book (e.g., the Book of Common Prayer).
Yes, the term is generic. For example, a 'siddur' is a Jewish prayer book. The context usually makes the specific religion clear.
A prayer book contains prayers, liturgies, and readings for worship services. A hymnal specifically contains hymns and songs for congregational singing.
The standard modern form is two words: 'prayer book'. The hyphenated form 'prayer-book' is archaic but may be seen in older texts.
A book containing the texts of prayers and religious services, used by worshippers.
Prayer book is usually formal, religious in register.
Prayer book: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpreə bʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprer bʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's read the prayer book on that (colloquial: knows the rules thoroughly).”
- “It's not in the prayer book (suggests an action is unorthodox).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOOK you use to PRAY. The two words simply combine: PRAYER + BOOK.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITATIVE GUIDE IS A PRAYER BOOK (e.g., 'He treated the manual as his prayer book').
Practice
Quiz
In a historical context, which 'prayer book' is most famously associated with the English Reformation?