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

Read Next National Teacher suspended over crucifix that hung by desk for 10 years, Connecticut suit says February 07, 2025 10:32 AM Read Next National Target worker fired over ‘Trust in Jesus’ name tag. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025

Above is a crucifix illuminated by a single spotlight. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025

The complaint asks for equitable relief from suspending, assigning or disciplining Castro for hanging the crucifix, for her to be fully reinstated without conditions regarding the crucifix and to expunge all disciplinary records concerning the refusal to remove the crucifix. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2025

Michelangelo lived and studied there, and the current complex, across the Arno river from the historic center of Florence, still houses the wooden crucifix carved by the Renaissance master for its basilica. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025

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