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 Inside the small, windowless room were three wooden church pews facing a tall, ornamental panel of dark wood with a large crucifix. Kevin Sullivan, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Aug. 2023 So why not roll around a gondola wearing a crucifix while singing about losing your virginity? Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2023 Eventually, the captain lashed himself to the wheel with a crucifix in hand to try to bring the ship into port. Megan McCluskey, Time, 11 Aug. 2023 Leon’s supporters packed the courtroom every day to support their man, who wore a red crucifix around his neck that shone against his light brown skin and salt-and-pepper mustache and hair. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 18 July 2023 The guidelines, which were laid out in a memo obtained by journalist Jason Rantz, stipulated that county employees were not allowed to display religious items, including Nativity sets, menorahs, the Star of David or the crucifix in their common work areas and virtual workspaces at home. Jon Brown, Fox News, 25 Dec. 2022 My aunts had changed her into a pink nightgown, placed a scarf around her head, and folded her arms across her chest, a rosary and crucifix clasped in her hands. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023 In the corner of her living room was a makeshift shrine, with a flickering candle and a crucifix draped over his portrait. Tim Arango, New York Times, 8 June 2023 Her profession candle, crucifix and rosary were all intact, said the monastery, in addition to the flowers that had been buried with the body. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 27 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crucifix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near crucifix

Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on crucifix

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