crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: 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

Centering each crucifix was an eternal knot representing the strength of the Armenian faith. —Marlise Kast-Myers, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026

One flirts and drinks and dallies and dances; the other is part child, part monk, his mantel packed with icons and crucifixes, his inner landscape a kind of mental Sagrada Família — a weird and extraordinary edifice constructed around the rigors and promises of Christianity. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

Nazi officials appeased protesters opposing the removal of crucifixes from German schools. —Danielle Wirsansky, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

The crucifix hangs over Holy Spirit in Winfield. —Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for crucifix

• bolsheviks
• candlesticks
• intermix
• lunatics
• mensheviks
• orthotics
• politicks
• politics
• biopolitics
• bricks
• brix
• chicks

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: 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