altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

often attributive

1

: a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship

—often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else

sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement

2

a

: a tablelike construction used in the Christian church in celebrating the Eucharist

b

: a table or place which serves as a center of worship or ritual

—often used with the to refer to the act of getting married

They are destined for the altar.

She left him at the altar. [=she decided at the last minute not to go through with her planned marriage to him]

Examples of altar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The couple’s friend Adrienne Finch officiated at an altar decorated with a mix of orchids, hydrangeas, and stems. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Willis returned to the altar in early 2009, marrying British-American model Emma Heming. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

In a news release, the museum said each altar is designed to reflect themes of the exhibit it will be placed in. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Iomaire also brought one of Hansard’s acoustic guitars to the altar. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adolēre to burn up

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing altar

• altar boy
• altar call
• altar girl
• altar of repose
• altar rail
• altar server
• altar stone
• high altar
• lead to the altar
• leave at the altar
• on the altar of success
• worship at the altar of

Rhymes for altar

• alter
• falter
• halter
• psalter
• salter
• defaulter

Kids Definition

altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

1

: a raised place on which sacrifices are offered

2

: a platform or table used as a center of worship