Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

haikal

noun
hai·​kal | \ ˈhīˌkäl, ˈhāˌ-\
plural -s

Definition of haikal

1 : a sanctuary of a Coptic church cut off from the nave by a screen and containing three altars
2 : the main altar

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for haikal

Syriac haykal & Hebrew hēkhāl, from Assyro-Babylonian ēkallu, from Sumerian e gal temple, palace, from e house + gal great

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about haikal

Dictionary Entries near haikal

haigle

haik

haikai

haikal

Haikou

haiku

haikwan tael

Statistics for haikal

Look-up Popularity

Comments on haikal

What made you want to look up haikal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

disparage

Listen to the pronounciation of disparage

to speak slightingly about or to degrade

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games