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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Directed by Paul Hunter and Dominique Trenier, the clip simply captured an exceptionally muscular D’Angelo performing the track while wearing nothing but a small gold crucifix necklace. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025 One man held up a crucifix, and another recited the Lord’s Prayer over a megaphone. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025 This is where religious symbols such as crosses, crucifixes, images of saints or the Virgin Mary, are placed. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 6 Oct. 2025 An opportunist who grabbed a man’s gold chain and crucifix after he was run over by a Green Line train in 2023 will spend at least six months in jail. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crucifix

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

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Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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

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