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

This felt different from past seasons, where most couples filmed at the altar when their answers could still very much be a toss-up. —Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2024

The official date of the Day of the Dead — a Mexican tradition rooted in Indigenous customs in which all beings who have passed are commemorated via altars — is Nov. 2. —Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 29 Oct. 2024

At 32 by 16 feet, the temple had two large rooms with marble altars decorated with sacred stones. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Oct. 2024

The wall where Vargas was working suddenly became an impromptu altar. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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