sanctum
Americannoun
plural
sanctums, sancta-
a sacred or holy place.
-
an inviolably private place or retreat.
noun
-
a sacred or holy place
-
a room or place of total privacy or inviolability
Etymology
Origin of sanctum
1570–80; noun use of neuter of Latin sānctus; Sanctus
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The goal was to coax lapsed vacationers back to America’s sanctum of indulgence, greasing the wheels of a hospitality sector that’s struggled all year long.
From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025
At the temple, Prapakaran, the software engineer, walked 11 circles around the inner sanctum, part of the ritual for currying favor with the Visa God.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 15, 2025
Starring Ralph Fiennes and set within the private inner sanctum of the Vatican, the movie treats the papal balloting like a thriller.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2024
It's just that if they got inside the inner sanctum and they saw what I saw, they would under no circumstances support him.
From Salon • May 18, 2024
I thought of blowing 263 again, but instead opened the locker lid and sat down, retreating to the inner sanctum of my territory.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
