narthex

[ nahr-theks ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. an enclosed passage between the main entrance and the nave of a church.

narthex

/ ˈnɑːθɛks /

noun

1. a portico at the west end of a basilica or church, esp one that is at right angles to the nave
2. a rectangular entrance hall between the porch and nave of a church

Other Words From

• nar·the·cal [nahr-, thee, -k, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of narthex¹

1665–75; < Late Greek nárthēx, Greek: giant fennel

Word History and Origins

Origin of narthex¹

C17: via Latin from Medieval Greek: enclosed porch, enclosure (earlier: box), from Greek narthēx giant fennel, the stems of which were used to make boxes

Example Sentences

Instead, on Sundays, he worshipped in the narthex at the back of Camden First United Methodist Church, separated from the rest of the congregation, with his family at his side in folding chairs.

From Seattle Times

“This cross is going to sit right where you walk in, in the narthex of the church. It’s where I, as a 15-year-old, poured concrete,” he said.

From Washington Times

Damage can be seen on the bottom of a column of precious Aquitaine marble in the narthex.

From Seattle Times

The entrance, which is also framed by the same angles of the tower shapes, feels both grand and humanly scaled, and functions a bit like the narthex of a cathedral.

From Washington Post

Last summer, the church dedicated a special altar in the narthex for people to pray.

From New York Times

Related Words

• doorway
• foyer
• hallway
• porch