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Definition of litany

litany

/ˈlɪt.ə.ni/
lit · a · ny
Plural:litanies
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litany Lexical Profile

litany Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tedious, repetitive, or lengthy recitation, list, or series (especially of complaints, problems, or excuses).

Example

"During the town hall meeting, residents voiced a familiar litany of grievances regarding rising property taxes and aging infrastructure."

2

A liturgical form of prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications spoken or chanted by a clergy member with fixed responses from the congregation.

Example

"The choir chanted the traditional litany as the procession moved slowly down the cathedral nave."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for litany

• Rhymes for litany

• Nearby Words

listlessness
lit
litani
litany
liter
literacy
literal

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English via Old French letanie and Late Latin litania, ultimately deriving from Ancient Greek litaneia ('an entreaty or supplication'), from the root lite ('prayer').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Litany. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/litany
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