worshipper

A worshipper is a person who engages in worship or reverence toward a deity, deities, or sacred concepts. In religious contexts, worshippers participate in services, perform prayers, sing hymns, offer sacrifices or gifts, and observe rituals as expressions of devotion. The term can also apply to private acts of devotion outside public rituals. In broader usage, it may describe fervent supporters of a person or idea, though that usage can carry a negative connotation when linked to idol worship or excessive adulation.

Origins: The word “worship” comes from Old English weorþscipe, meaning worthiness or reverence, with the agent-noun suffix -er giving rise to “worshipper” (and the American variant “worshiper”). The form reflects the sense of paying homage to something deemed worthy.

Usage: In many religions, worshippers address the divine through prayers, rituals, music, and offerings. The specific practices and the structure of worship vary by tradition. The term is neutral in most contexts, but some traditions may prefer terms like devotee, adherent, or believer to indicate closer personal or doctrinal alignment.

Spelling and variants: “Worshipper” (British English) and “worshiper” (American English) are both accepted; the present participle is “worshipping” (British) or “worshiping” (American); past tense likewise “worshipped” or “worshiped.”