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 Here, the body of a scrawny Jesus gushes blood, sending a rivulet of scarlet down his crucifix and onto the ground below. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024 His inspirations for that season at the former house were, by turns, ’30s silhouettes, antique kimonos, and the undead, which translated into a series of obi jackets, crucifix necklaces, and lace-up sandals on the runway. Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024 The belt loop with keys (and a crucifix) that topped many of the looks felt on point — as though Chavarria were elevating these deeply familiar uniforms and silhouettes into new American classics. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024 My Greek grandmother was like that—kept a crucifix the size of a hand mirror in her bedroom and kissed it until her lips wore the plating off Jesus’ stomach. David Sedaris, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crucifix 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crucifix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 30 Oct. 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

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