crucifix

American  

[kroo-suh-fiks] / ˈkru sə fɪks /

noun

1. a cross with the figure of Jesus crucified upon it.

2. any cross.

3. Gymnastics. a stunt performed on the parallel rings in which the athlete holds their body rigid with their legs vertically extended together and their arms extended horizontally from the shoulders.

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crucifix British  

/ ˈkruːsɪfɪks /

noun

1. a cross or image of a cross with a figure of Christ upon it

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Other Word Forms

• crucificial adjective

Etymology

Origin of crucifix

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin crucifīxus “the crucified one” (i.e., Christ), noun use of masculine of past participle of Latin crucifīgere “to crucify; ” see fix

Example Sentences

The crucifix and Elgin watch conjured Sunday mornings and the quiet pride of women who never stepped outside without dignity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Someone knelt down and clipped a microphone to her lapel, a few inches from the crucifix that dangled from her neck.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2025

Made of white Carrara marble, it depicts the pontiff in his later years, stooping and clutching a crucifix, his brow furrowed in pain.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2025

The centerpiece was the crucifix pendant hanging from her necklace, which would occasionally flicker when Sen. Katie Britt shifted her weight.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2024

The confession box is dark and there’s a big crucifix hanging over my head.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt