crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: a representation of Christ on the cross

Examples of crucifix in a Sentence

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The soldiers strolled through the ornate sanctuary, snapped photos of the icons and asked about the meaning of the cross and the crucifix. —Matt Bradley, NBC News, 15 Dec. 2024

The dark comedy follows two cousins selling neon crucifixes door to door in Tbilisi. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 30 Nov. 2024

When most people think of the Catholic Church, things like rosaries, holy water, and crucifixes usually come to mind. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifixus, past participle of crucifigere to crucify, from Latin cruc-, crux + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it

Etymology

Middle English crucifix "crucifix," from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere "to crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" and figere "to fasten, fix" — related to cross, crucify, fix