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

The individuals were not buried with any personal items or clothes, according to the study, apart from two crucifixes, a medallion and three rings found in graves. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 16 June 2025

Keeping religious prodding to a minimum — a crucifix here, a mass prayer there — the movie concludes with McDonough’s earnest plea to scan a QR code to purchase tickets for other viewers. —Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 22 May 2025

After evening prayers we were expected to remain in silence until morning, sleeping in single beds in private rooms, a crucifix nailed above each of our headboards. —Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025

Francis wore a crucifix of iron rather than gold, washed and kissed the feet of Muslim and Hindu migrants, and carried his own bag. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 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