# liturgy

/ˈɫɪtɝdʒi/ (US) · /lˈɪtɜːdʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/liturgy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. religious ritual

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the fixed set of words and actions used in a religious ceremony.

For teachers: a prescribed body of rituals or ceremonies for public worship, especially in a Christian context.

- The church followed a traditional liturgy that had not changed for centuries.
- The bishop emphasized that the beauty of the liturgy lies in its ability to connect modern believers with ancient traditions through shared prayer.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific tradition's set of rites.

### 2. a worship service

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a formal religious service, especially in the Orthodox or Catholic church.

For teachers: a specific instance of public worship or a formal service of the Eucharist.

- We attended the morning liturgy at the cathedral during our trip to Greece.
- The Divine Liturgy was celebrated with great solemnity, featuring choral music that resonated throughout the vaulted nave.

Usage: Commonly capitalized as 'Divine Liturgy' in Eastern Orthodox contexts.

### 3. Ancient Greek public service

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

in Ancient Greece, a job or project that a rich person paid for to help the city.

For teachers: a public office or duty which the richest citizens discharged at their own expense in ancient Greek states.

- The wealthy merchant funded the new warship as a liturgy for the city.
- Historians note that the liturgy system allowed the Athenian state to fund festivals and naval expeditions without a direct income tax.

Teaching tip: This sense is strictly historical and refers to civic duty rather than religious ritual.

## Examples

- The priest followed the traditional liturgy for the morning service.
- The choir practiced for weeks to master the complex musical settings required for the Easter liturgy.
- Scholars of religious history often analyze how changes in the liturgy reflect broader shifts in the theological priorities and cultural identity of a worshipping community over several centuries.

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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.