crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The casket was draped in black cloth and bore a small crucifix. Babar Dogar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024 The lie detector consists of the blind monk from the crucifix room at the Vatican and a cup of seltzer water. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crucifix 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifix was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near crucifix

Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun
cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on crucifix

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