sanctum

noun

sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm 

plural sanctums also sancta ˈsaŋ(k)-tə 

1

: a sacred place

2

: a place where one is free from intrusion

an editor's sanctum

the inner sanctums of research

Synonyms

• sanctuary
• shrine

Examples of sanctum in a Sentence

Her office was her sanctum.

the sanctum of a church

Recent Examples on the Web

Daniel, his namesake establishment on the Upper East Side, a colonnaded sanctum of caviar and white linen, has remained both gastronomically and culturally relevant since its opening, in 1993. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025

In a world without God, the homies are a sanctum. 5. —Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024

And then there were the Satanists — who welcomed him into their sanctum without judgment. —Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, neuter of sanctus sacred

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sanctum

• inner sanctum
• sanctum sanctorum

Kids Definition

sanctum

noun

sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm 

plural sanctums also sancta -tə 

1

: a sacred place

2

: a place where one is free from being bothered