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

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

"Sports should stay above politics and cricket should not be sacrificed at the altar of politics," said PCB chair Naqvi.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

The Americans running the Constantinian Order in the U.S. subscribe to a “throne and altar”–style monarchism.

From Slate

According to a leading monarchist revered by these knights, “throne and altar” monarchy sees the church as the “animating principle of society” that “confers legitimacy and authority upon the King via … ceremonies of state,” while the monarch exercises power with a “God-given authority.”

From Slate

Related Words

• shrine