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

According to Harper’s Bazaar, Diana officiated the wedding as Leif crawled around and played at the altar, stealing the show from the groom and pregnant bride. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026

The wedding processional is the beginning of a wedding ceremony when the couple, family, members of the wedding party, and the officiant head down the aisle and take their positions either in their seats or at the altar. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026

An accident with a metal arch at the altar led to a minor cut on her leg. —Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025

Communion rails were removed, ramps up to the altar were added, and the tabernacle was moved behind the altar. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 23 Dec. 2025

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