# devotional

/dɪˈvoʊʃənəɫ/ (US) · /dɪvˈəʊʃənəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/devotional
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a short religious text or book used for daily prayer and study. People use it to help them focus on their spiritual life.

For teachers: a short religious text or book intended for use in private or communal worship. Often structured as a series of daily readings or meditations.

## Examples

- She reads a short devotional every morning before work.
- The bookstore has a large section dedicated to daily devotionals for people of various faiths.
- While the sermon provides a communal experience, many practitioners find that a personal devotional offers a more intimate space for reflection on sacred texts.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used within religious contexts to refer to the physical book or the specific text being read.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.