English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

worship

WUR-shihp

Worship (noun) means Reverence and devotion shown to a god or sacred figure. Example: “The temple has been a site of worship for over a thousand years.”

noun
1
Reverence and devotion shown to a god or sacred figure.
"The temple has been a site of worship for over a thousand years."
"Sunday worship is central to the congregation's week."
2
Great admiration or adoration for a person or thing.
"His worship of the guitarist bordered on obsession."
verb
1
To honour a deity with religious devotion.
"They gather every Friday to worship together."
2
To adore or admire someone excessively.
"Fans worship the band as if they were gods."

How to use worship

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo show deep reverence or devotion, whether religious or otherwise.

Common pairings
worship a god place of worship freedom of worship

Word forms

worshipped past tense, worshiped past tense, worships plural, Worships plural, worships singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “worship” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The temple has been a site of _____ for over a thousand years.

Etymology

From Old English weorþscipe, literally "worth-ship" — the state of being worthy of honour.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for worship

See all rhymes for worship →

Frequently asked questions

What does “worship” mean?

The word “worship” means reverence and devotion shown to a god or sacred figure. In plain terms, to show deep reverence or devotion, whether religious or otherwise.

How do you pronounce “worship”?

“Worship” is pronounced WUR-shihp (/ˈwɝ.ʃɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “worship” in a sentence?

Here is “worship” used in a sentence: “The temple has been a site of worship for over a thousand years.”

What is another word for “worship”?

Words with a similar meaning to “worship” include praise.

What part of speech is “worship”?

Depending on how it is used, “worship” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “worship” come from?

The word “worship” comes from Old English. From Old English weorþscipe, literally "worth-ship" — the state of being worthy of honour.

Is “worship” a common word?

“Worship” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “worship” have?

“Worship” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: reverence and devotion shown to a god or sacred figure.

What is the difference between "worship" and "praise"?

"Praise" is expressing approval or admiration and can be directed at anyone, while "worship" is deeper reverence and devotion shown to a god or sacred figure. Praise can be part of worship, but worship implies wholehearted devotion rather than a simple compliment.

What is a "place of worship"?

A "place of worship" is a building where people gather to show reverence and devotion to a god or sacred figure, such as a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue. The phrase uses the primary religious sense of worship.

What is the difference between "worship" and "adore"?

To worship is to show reverence and devotion, most often to a deity, whereas to adore means to love or admire greatly and is used more freely for people and things. "Adore" can be casual, as in "I adore this song," while "worship" carries a stronger sense of devotion.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial