Definition of 'altar'

Word Frequency

altar

(ɔːltəʳ )

Word forms: plural altars

1. countable noun

An altar is a holy table in a church or temple.

...the high altar at Chichester Cathedral.

be sacrificed on the altar of something

Word Frequency

altar in British

(ˈɔːltə )

noun

a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed

(in Christian churches) the communion table

a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand

4. lead to the altar

Word origin of 'altar'

Old English, from Latin altāria (plural) altar, from altus high

Word Frequency

altar in American

(ˈɔltər ; ôlˈtər)

noun

a place, esp. a raised platform, where sacrifices or offerings are made to a god, an ancestor, etc.

a table, stand, etc. used for sacred purposes in a place of worship, as the Communion table in Christian churches

Idioms:

lead to the altar

Word origin of 'altar'

ME alter < OE altare & OFr alter; both < L altare, high altar < altus, high: see altitude

Example sentences containing 'altar'

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The heart was placed on a small table in front of the high altar. Deborah Cadbury THE LOST KING OF FRANCE: Revolution, Revenge and the Search for Louis XVII (2002)So they called it off, between the steps of the church and the altar. Times, Sunday Times (2006)But the high altar I could not see. Travers, P L What the Bee Knows - reflections on myth, symbol and story (1989)From the outset it's very clear that Desert worships at the altar of high literary art. Times, Sunday Times (2010)By the way, flowers still find their way to the church 's altar. Christianity Today (2000)In their Brooklyn apartment, he builds an altar to her with her wedding dress at its centre. Times, Sunday Times (2011)He saw himself standing on the altar, lost into his hatred, raging like a bird of prey. Zindell, David The Broken God (1993)The general consensus was the men from the Valleys would be served up as sacrificial lambs on the high altar of English football. The Sun (2011)A festival in a skiing resort - the high altar of the British middle classes. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Ealing, our organist got married and for his wedding he had a choir and a four-piece rock band that set up at the high altar. Times, Sunday Times (2008)But at his wedding day this summer he stood tall and proud as he walked to the altar to stand beside his childhood sweetheart, Ciara. The Sun (2014)