SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

monstrance

noun
Save Word
mon·​strance | \ ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s How to pronounce monstrance (audio) \

Definition of monstrance

: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful

Illustration of monstrance

Illustration of monstrance

Examples of monstrance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a monstrance, Catholics will adore the Body of Christ in His Eucharistic presence. — Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, "The Good Samaritan in a Coronavirus Election Year," 28 Sep. 2020 Another powerful work associated with Saint Sebastian is a 1484 German monstrance, a gilded silver and rock crystal reliquary believed to contain a sliver of bone from the saint’s body. — Steven Litt, cleveland, "Cleveland Museum of Art collection shows how humanity coped with pandemics from Black Death to AIDS," 26 Apr. 2020 The choir is poised to sing, the priest lifts the monstrance, and the procession starts. — Sarah Schutte, National Review, "Solemn Parties, Festive Liturgies — What’s Not to Like about Being Catholic?," 22 June 2019 Outside, a canopy is lifted over the priest and monstrance. — Sarah Schutte, National Review, "Solemn Parties, Festive Liturgies — What’s Not to Like about Being Catholic?," 22 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'monstrance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of monstrance

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for monstrance

Middle English mustraunce, monstrans demonstration, monstrance, from Anglo-French mustrance show, sign, from Medieval Latin monstrantia, from Latin monstrare to show, from monstrum

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about monstrance

Time Traveler for monstrance

Time Traveler

The first known use of monstrance was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Statistics for monstrance

Cite this Entry

“Monstrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstrance. Accessed 25 Jan. 2021.

More from Merriam-Webster on monstrance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monstrance

Comments on monstrance

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

optimization

Listen to the pronunciation of optimization

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
True or False

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

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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