sanctum

American  

[sangk-tuhm] / ˈsæŋk təm /

noun

plural

sanctums, sancta

1. a sacred or holy place.

2. an inviolably private place or retreat.

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sanctum British  

/ ˈsæŋktəm /

noun

1. a sacred or holy place

2. a room or place of total privacy or inviolability

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Etymology

Origin of sanctum

1570–80; noun use of neuter of Latin sānctus; see Sanctus

Example Sentences

To his inner sanctum, his players in particular, he can be a jovial character - quoting Alan Partridge and enjoying typical training ground banter in between his demanding push for high standards.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The cache of documents offer a rare glimpse into the inner sanctum of the Silicon Valley elite, revealing how deals are made and even how they regard one another.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

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

Walk beneath a tower’s mirrored walls and into its inner sanctum, and assorted optical effects unfold overhead, bathing visitors in their unusual light.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 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