litany

noun

lit·​a·​ny ˈli-tə-nē How to pronounce litany (audio)
ˈlit-nē
plural litanies
1
: a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
the Litany of the Saints
2
a
: a resonant or repetitive chant
a litany of cheering phrasesHerman Wouk
b
: a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration
a familiar litany of complaints
c
: a sizable series or set
a litany of problems
The drug has a litany of possible side effects.

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A Short History of Litany

How do we love the word litany? Let us count the ways. We love its original 13th century meaning, still in use today, referring to a call-and-response prayer in which a series of lines are spoken alternately by a leader and a congregation. We love how litany has developed in the intervening centuries three figurative senses, and we love each of these as well: first, a sense meaning “repetitive chant”; next, the “lengthy recitation” sense owing to the repetitious—and sometimes interminable—nature of the original litany; and finally, an even broader sense referring to any sizeable series or set. Though litanies of this third sort tend to be unpleasant, we choose today to think of the loveliness found in the idea of “a litany of sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.”

Examples of litany in a Sentence

He has a litany of grievances against his former employer. The team blamed its losses on a litany of injuries.
Recent Examples on the Web Real progress was always out of reach, a failure rationalized with a litany of excuses − faculty governance, a difficult legislature, uncollaborative researchers, budget cuts, even student groups intent on protesting. Kathleen Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 And no history of the Voice can ignore the litany of ferocious battles that took place inside its headquarters. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Orlando, Florida Orlando will forever be tied to the litany of theme parks associated with its sunny sidewalks, but the city wears a lot of hats outside of its obvious role as Disney World's hometown. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Early access to earned wages would, consequently, be considered a loan and EWA firms would be subject to the litany of current bank regulations. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Some of those people came forward on social media with a litany of complaints. Victor Mather, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The litany, viewing and the funeral will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, 3481 Hibiscus St., in Coconut Grove. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 One by one players made their way out of a final team meeting, through exit interviews and into the locker room to gather their things and face a litany of questions from reporters. Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2024 Huma’s association was involved in what could be considered the precursor lawsuit to a litany of NIL litigation — a 2009 class-action suit filed by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon. Ryan Kryska, Quartz, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'litany.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English letanie, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin litania, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litanos supplicant

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of litany was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Litany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/litany. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

litany

noun
lit·​a·​ny ˈlit-ᵊn-ē How to pronounce litany (audio)
ˈlit-nē
plural litanies
: a prayer consisting of a series of lines spoken alternately by a leader and the congregation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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