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

There will be live entertainment on the Fiesta de Reyes stage, traditional and contemporary Día de los Muertos altars, professional face painters, art demonstrations and catrinas at the plaza. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Oct. 2025

While Ali and Anton and Kalybriah and Edmond made it to the altar, both women couldn't go through with the vows, saying no at the last minute. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025

Elijah Wood recently returned to the New Zealand set of The Lord of the Rings' Shire to surprise a happy couple at the altar. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

In the doorway at the back of the altar room that led to the kitchen, the household staff stood watching, bringing hot water for the lamas to drink during breaks. —Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 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