crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a representation of Christ on the cross

Examples of crucifix in a Sentence

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The military sentenced soldiers who participated in hacking down the crucifix to time in military prison. Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 There was a defacement of a crucifix in Lebanon. CBS News, 10 May 2026 Inside, a crucifix sports a spooky ribcage. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 May 2026 The Israeli military is investigating after a photo circulating on social media shows a soldier appearing to desecrate a statue of the Virgin Mary in Debel, Lebanon – the same town where Israeli soldiers were photographed destroying a crucifix last month. Alejandra Jaramillo, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucifix

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifixus, past participle of crucifigere to crucify, from Latin cruc-, crux + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifix was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun
cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it
Etymology

Middle English crucifix "crucifix," from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere "to crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" and figere "to fasten, fix" — related to cross, crucify, fix

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