A blessing is something good that happens to you, often something you're grateful for. When your grandmother recovers from an illness, you might call her recovery a blessing. When rain finally comes after a long drought, farmers call it a blessed relief. The word suggests good fortune, whether you think it comes from luck, hard work, or divine help.

The word also means giving approval or good wishes for someone's success and happiness. Parents might give their blessing to a daughter's plan to start her own business, showing they support her decision. A coach might bless a team's strategy, meaning he thinks it's a good approach.

In religious contexts, a blessing is a prayer asking for God's favor and protection. A priest might bless a new building, or a family might say a blessing before dinner, thanking God for their food.

Sometimes people say “count your blessings” to mean appreciating the good things in your life. When you focus on your blessings (your health, your friends, your opportunities) instead of dwelling on problems, you notice how much you have to be grateful for. And when something seems bad at first but turns out well later, people sometimes call it a “blessing in disguise.”