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

Your reaction when Mel sees Jack in his uniform at the altar, which was a surprise to her, looked almost unscripted: there was a little shock, and then a smile. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024

The altar, one of the few items to partially survive the fire, was restored by local woodworkers. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

After ditching President Florentino Perez twice at the altar in 2017 and 2022, Mbappe finally decided to let his PSG contract run down this summer and subsequently join the 15-time Champions League winners. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

The first image in Grier's carousel saw the family of four crouched down on the floor sharing a group hug together at the altar, while the second photo pictured the couple embracing cheek to cheek with their two kids hugging beneath them. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 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