sanctum

[ sangk-tuhm ]

noun

, plural sanc·tums, sanc·ta [sangk, -t, uh].

1. a sacred or holy place.
2. an inviolably private place or retreat.

sanctum

/ ˈsæŋktəm /

noun

1. a sacred or holy place
2. a room or place of total privacy or inviolability

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum¹

C16: from Latin, from sanctus holy

Example Sentences

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

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

She allows the camera into the sanctums of her tanning booth and facial treatment sessions, but there’s an exhibitionism in these moments instead of conveying honesty and openness.

From Salon

So what was surprising about Michael is that he thought he was in the inner sanctum with Trump and that he was never going to get hit with the bus.

From Salon

When mobsters tried to muscle their way into the city’s inner sanctum, say.

From Seattle Times