1
: an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion
2
a
: a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion
b
: a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things
3
often capitalized
: the final assumption of Christians into heaven during the end-time according to Christian theology
raptured; rapturing; raptures
1
: to fill with joy : enrapture
How buoyant his heart! and so melted with tender thoughts, so raptured with imaginings!—
Baynard Rush Hall
Baynard Rush HallAn entire generation is raptured by the Netflix original, "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness."—Rachel Mckenzie
Rachel Mckenzie2
: to cause (a Christian believer) to be taken up into heaven during the end-time
He clearly and persuasively argues from Scripture that Christians … will be raptured …—Octavio Paz
Octavio PazThe whole chapter is Paul's exhortation concerning Christ's resurrection. … He talks about those who will not die but be changed (raptured) and receive their glorified bodies.—Tara Wentworth
Tara Wentworth… the faithful would have a reward better than eternal life after death. They'd skip death entirely, raptured …—Joshua Rivera
Joshua RiveraSynonyms
Examples of rapture in a Sentence
Noun
We listened with rapture as the orchestra played.
He listened to the wind in the trees, his eyes closed in rapture.
Verb
nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography
Recent Examples on the WebMadison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2024
The opening minutes, however, couldn’t be more different than that transcendent note of rapture.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rapture 
Noun
Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace swaps raucous raptures for meditation, leaving his saxophone at the door in favor of various woodwinds.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2024
The opening minutes, however, couldn’t be more different than that transcendent note of rapture.
—Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rapture
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rapture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rapture
Cite this Entry
“Rapture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapture. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share