Illustration of monstrance
monstrance
noun
mon·strance
ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s 
: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful
Examples of monstrance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The image of the solitary pontiff lifting the monstrance into the darkest of dark nights was a gesture that acknowledged and in some ways healed those suffering isolation and grief.
—
The Editors, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
Most recently, Surak received, through the mail, two brass monstrances displaying relics of St. Benilde.
—Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
The other is a late-17th century Cuzco School painting from Peru, which shows Habsburg King Charles II, sword drawn and backed by two archangels (including Michael), defending from attack a Eucharist displayed inside a spectacular jeweled monstrance.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2022
And inside the sunburst, called the monstrance, was the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated eucharist bread that Roman Catholics believe to be the body of Jesus.
—New York Times, 26 June 2021
In this place of honor, the priests and deacon took turns carrying a monstrance, an ornate gilded container made to hold the consecrated holy Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the body and blood of Christ.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, 8 June 2021
It was then placed in a golden monstrance—a sunburst-like vessel with a transparent center—in preparation for the procession.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
In one of the ballrooms, the priest set up the monstrance for adoration, so people could continue to pray in Christ’s presence.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
Father Michael Duffy lifted up the monstrance, while the deacon rang a bell.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
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The Editors, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
Most recently, Surak received, through the mail, two brass monstrances displaying relics of St. Benilde.
—Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
The other is a late-17th century Cuzco School painting from Peru, which shows Habsburg King Charles II, sword drawn and backed by two archangels (including Michael), defending from attack a Eucharist displayed inside a spectacular jeweled monstrance.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2022
And inside the sunburst, called the monstrance, was the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated eucharist bread that Roman Catholics believe to be the body of Jesus.
—New York Times, 26 June 2021
In this place of honor, the priests and deacon took turns carrying a monstrance, an ornate gilded container made to hold the consecrated holy Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the body and blood of Christ.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, chicagotribune.com, 8 June 2021
It was then placed in a golden monstrance—a sunburst-like vessel with a transparent center—in preparation for the procession.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
In one of the ballrooms, the priest set up the monstrance for adoration, so people could continue to pray in Christ’s presence.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
Father Michael Duffy lifted up the monstrance, while the deacon rang a bell.
—Tim Busch, WSJ, 14 Oct. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Monstrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstrance. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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monstrance
noun
mon·strance
ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s
: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed
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