Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

litanies

noun

/ˈlɪtəˌniz/

Definition

A series of petitions or supplications made in church services, often recited by a leader and responded to by the congregation.

Examples

During the service, the priest chanted the litanies as the congregation responded fervently.
In times of distress, many people turn to litanies for comfort and hope.

Meaning

Litanies are generally repetitive prayers or invocations that are used to call upon God’s mercy or to express various themes during religious services.