ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l 
ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l
1
: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control
ordeal by fire
ordeal by water
2
: a severe trial or experience
Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal for the shoppers.
Examples of ordeal in a Sentence
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Lehrer — who has maintained his innocence to Rolling Stone claimed he wasn’t bothered by the road ordeal — has been locked away in Dominica State Prison for over two years now.
—
Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
None of the hikers were injured as a result of the ordeal, according to the sheriff’s department.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
And though the legal process has been a huge ordeal, Cahall’s nowhere near giving up the good fight.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
In today’s housing market, even the lucky ones often face exhausting ordeals and need to stretch their budgets to land a home.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025
None of the hikers were injured as a result of the ordeal, according to the sheriff’s department.
—Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
And though the legal process has been a huge ordeal, Cahall’s nowhere near giving up the good fight.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
In today’s housing market, even the lucky ones often face exhausting ordeals and need to stretch their budgets to land a home.
—Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l
1
: a method of deciding guilt or innocence by making the accused person take dangerous or painful tests
ordeal by fire
2
: a severe test or experience
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