altar

[ awl-ter ]

noun

1. an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc.
2. Ecclesiastical. communion table.
3. Altar, Astronomy. the constellation Ara.
4. (in a dry dock) a ledge for supporting the feet of shorings.

altar

/ ˈɔːltə /

noun

1. a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed
2. (in Christian churches) the communion table
3. a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand
4. lead to the altar informal.
   to marry

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English alter, altar, auter, Old English altar, altare, alter; (compare Middle Dutch outaer, Old Saxon, Old Norse altari, Old High German altāri ), from Latin altāria (the more frequently used plural of altāre used in a singular sense), of disputed origin and formation, but probably akin to Latin adolēre “to make a burnt offering, cremate,” Umbrian uřetu “let it burn, set incense on the fire”

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar¹

Old English, from Latin altāria (plural) altar, from altus high

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. lead to the altar, to marry:

   After a five-year courtship, he led her to the altar.

Example Sentences

Images from Carpenter's video show a crucifix with profanity printed on it and also Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short black dress.

From BBC

Remnants of that history include the altar of a church built for service members made out of rocks from the desert, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Dozens of school groups are listening attentively to guides about their city’s colourful history while a queue forms around the altar to make a wish.

From BBC

It becomes a kind of altar as well as a monument, as Whitehall temporarily becomes a mixture of a church, military parade ground and national shrine.

From BBC

This was Rivers unplugged, foul-mouthed in a way that made me feel like a squeamish altar boy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• shrine