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

Where Wilson and Fischer really deepen Wills-Jones’ tale is in the private moments between the fisherwoman and her wicker husband, who awaits her at the altar in a handsome new suit and shoes borrowed from her neighbors — the tailor (Nabhaan Rizwan), shoemaker (Scott Alexander Yougng) and so on. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026

Carson Palmer got to the altar, making it to the NFC dhampionship game with the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 season before losing to Carolina. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Adorning the altar is the Adoration of the Magi, one of many versions painted by the famous Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

Busfield features in the ensemble cast of You Deserve Each Other, a new romantic comedy that follows a couple who get cold feet on their way to the altar. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 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