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noun

Angelus

AND-zhuh-luhs

Angelus (noun) means a Catholic prayer devotion commemorating the Annunciation, said three times a day. Example: “The nuns paused their work to recite the angelus at noon.”

noun
1
A Catholic prayer devotion commemorating the Annunciation, said three times a day.
"The nuns paused their work to recite the angelus at noon."
2
The bell rung to call worshippers to this prayer.
"The angelus tolled from the village church tower at six."

How to use Angelus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA traditional prayer and its bell, not the angel itself.

Easily confused with

Word forms

Angeluses plural

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The nuns paused their work to recite the _____ at noon.

Etymology

Named after the opening Latin word of the prayer, "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" ("The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary").

Origin: Latin

angelus bell

Frequently asked questions

What does “Angelus” mean?

The word “Angelus” means a Catholic prayer devotion commemorating the Annunciation, said three times a day. In plain terms, a traditional prayer and its bell, not the angel itself.

How do you pronounce “Angelus”?

“Angelus” is pronounced AND-zhuh-luhs (/ˈænd͡ʒələs/ in IPA).

How do you use “Angelus” in a sentence?

Here is “Angelus” used in a sentence: “The nuns paused their work to recite the angelus at noon.”

What part of speech is “Angelus”?

“Angelus” is a noun.

Where does the word “Angelus” come from?

The word “Angelus” comes from Latin. Named after the opening Latin word of the prayer, "Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae" ("The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary").

How many meanings does “Angelus” have?

“Angelus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Catholic prayer devotion commemorating the Annunciation, said three times a day.

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