bless

verb

ˈbles How to pronounce bless (audio)
blessed ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) also blest ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) ; blessing
Synonyms of blessnext

transitive verb

1
religion : to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word
asked the priest to bless their marriage
Bless this home.
2
religion : to hallow with the sign of the cross
He blessed himself before liftoff.
3
: to invoke divine care for
bless your heart
—used in the phrase bless you to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
4
a
: praise, glorify
bless his holy name
b
: to speak well of : approve
5
: to confer prosperity or happiness upon
God has blessed us with four children.
6
archaic : protect, preserve
Bless me from marrying a usurer!—Shakespeare
7
: endow, favor
blessed with athletic ability

Synonyms of bless

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Examples of bless in a Sentence

The priest blessed their marriage at the wedding. The water for the baptism has been blessed. The priest blessed the baby I held in my arms.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Later, Keldermans and fellow clergy member Katherine Elsner anointed a congregant who was having surgery later that month and then gave her a prayer blanket blessed by the community. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 My wife gave us two wonderful children and my daughter just blessed us with a grandson! — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026 Once it's made, Soddu holds a ceremony to bless and activate the piece according to the intention, then passes along guidance on how and when to wear it and use its affirmation. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026 Kristian Matsson, who records under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth, is both blessed and cursed by having arrived nearly fully formed. — David Harris, SPIN, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bless

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bless was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing bless

Rhymes for bless

See All Rhymes for bless

Browse Nearby Words

blesmol
bless
blessed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bless. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bless

verb
ˈbles How to pronounce bless (audio)
blessed ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) also blest ˈblest How to pronounce bless (audio) ; blessing
1
: to make holy : hallow
2
: to make the sign of the cross upon or over
3
: to ask divine care or protection for
4
: to praise or honor as holy
5
: to make successful or happy
6
: endow sense 2, favor
Etymology

Old English blētsian, blēdsian "to bless, to consecrate (originally with blood)," derived from blōd "blood"

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