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

This is the fourth year that the L.A Times has invited readers to submit ofrendas to a digital altar. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

The burial mound—which includes a circular tomb situated north of a square altar—is between 5,000 and 5,100 years old. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

When his fiancé stands him up at the altar, he is forced to go on his honeymoon alone, thrusting him into the beautiful culture of Italy and renewing his passion for life and food. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2024

The two then got engaged and ended up saying yes at the altar in the season 4 finale. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

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

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