miracle

noun

mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
1
: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
the healing miracles described in the Gospels
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
The bridge is a miracle of engineering.
3
Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Examples of miracle in a Sentence

She believed that God had given her the power to work miracles. It would take a miracle for this team to win. the miracle of his recovery These days, thanks to the miracle of television, we can watch events happening on the other side of the world.
Recent Examples on the Web The seeming miracle of her shortly thereafter becoming pregnant — a 21st-century answer to the Virgin Mary — quickly turns sinister, as Cecilia’s body and her faith both rapidly turn against her. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 Each is a crucial link in a chain of production often called the daily miracle: that alchemical transformation of words and pictures into a newspaper to be held, sold, mailed or tossed onto any driveway, any doorstep in the city. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 By the miracle of modern technology, your smartphones and watches will automatically adjust to the change. Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 9 Mar. 2024 But a substantial majority of the 40,000 Americans with CF have now lived through a miracle—a thrilling but disorienting miracle. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024 Underdog — Mead: The Mavericks needed an overtime miracle from Darby Haley just to make it to the Coliseum. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2024 At that point, De La Salle needed a miracle, which went unanswered. Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2024 The bomb itself is a cause for something like wonder: a gadget built by men that harnesses the very material of the universe is practically a miracle, but its effects are the exact opposite. Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Modern large diameter jet engines are miracles of engineering, turning a full 50% of their fuel’s energy into forward motion under those conditions. Michael Barnard, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'miracle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin mīrāculum, going back to Latin, "something amazing, marvel," from mīrārī "to be surprised, look with wonder at" + -culum, suffix of instrument (going back to Indo-European *-tlom) — more at admire

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of miracle was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near miracle

Cite this Entry

“Miracle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

miracle

noun
mir·​a·​cle ˈmir-i-kəl How to pronounce miracle (audio)
1
: an extraordinary event taken as a sign of the supernatural power of God
2
: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
Etymology

Middle English miracle "a miracle," from early French miracle (same meaning), derived from Latin miraculum "a wonder," from mirari "to wonder at" — related to admire

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