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

Michelangelo lived and studied there, and the current complex, across the Arno river from the historic center of Florence, still houses the wooden crucifix carved by the Renaissance master for its basilica. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025

The former were made from Nike Air Max 97s and featured a gold crucifix emblem on the upper, and the sneakers were said to be injected with holy water to enable the wearer to walk on water. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025

There was the homoerotic work of Robert Mapplethorpe, and also the Andres Serrano picture Piss Christ, which was a crucifix in very bubbly stuff that looked like urine. —Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025

Countless Instagram posts showcase older Neapolitans with leathery tans, tattooed chests, heavy makeup and crucifixes under the summer’s scorching sun. —Gianni Cipriano, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for crucifix

• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• intermix
• lunatics
• mensheviks
• orthotics
• politicks
• politics
• biopolitics
• bricks
• brix
• chicks

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