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

Maomao tackles the target just as the massive pillar hanging over the altar crashes to the ground. —Kayti Burt, Time, 2 Apr. 2025

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are heading to the altar – and some major Hollywood stars might be there to witness it. —Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025

In 1620, noted landscape architect Inigo Jones suggested that it might have been used as an altar, and it has been known as the Altar Stone ever since. —Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Mar. 2025

Other moments included Nara getting her bridal makeup done, being walked down the aisle by her father and wiping Lucky's tears at the altar. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for altar

• alter
• falter
• halter
• psalter
• salter
• defaulter

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