altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

often attributive

1

: a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship

—often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else

sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement

2

a

: a tablelike construction used in the Christian church in celebrating the Eucharist

b

: a table or place which serves as a center of worship or ritual

—often used with the to refer to the act of getting married

They are destined for the altar.

She left him at the altar. [=she decided at the last minute not to go through with her planned marriage to him]

Examples of altar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The catwalk was built over the altar in the shape of a bridge, metaphorical for the various bridges or clashes that FashionClash is building between fashion, people, disciplines and society. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Many took pictures and selfies in front of the altar, the baptistery and vibrant rose windows, their joy mingling with reverence. —Thomas Adamson and Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The relics of five saints were placed and sealed within the altar. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 8 Dec. 2024

There are beautiful horns in the background that make this feel more like a church altar confessional rather than merely just a song. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adolēre to burn up

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing altar

• altar boy
• altar call
• altar girl
• altar of repose
• altar rail
• altar server
• altar stone
• high altar
• lead to the altar
• leave at the altar
• on the altar of success
• worship at the altar of

Kids Definition

altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

1

: a raised place on which sacrifices are offered

2

: a platform or table used as a center of worship