narthex

noun

nar·thex | \ ˈnär-ˌtheks

How to pronounce narthex (audio)

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Definition of narthex

1 : the portico of an ancient church

2 : a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

Examples of narthex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There is a narthex, or entrance hall, brightly lit and full of movement in and out. — Diarmaid Macculloch, The New York Review of Books, "The Vitality of Orthodoxy," 17 June 2020 Call ahead for carryout orders at 859-371-2622 and pick up meals up inside the church narthex. — Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Grab a spork. 90+ fish fries to try in Cincinnati area," 20 Feb. 2020 The assault was three-pronged: Water was entering from the piazza, through the narthex; from the crypt windows, while also pushing up from below the Basilica. — USA TODAY, "Venice flood damage to St. Mark's Cathedral totals more than $5 million," 24 Dec. 2019 Damage can be seen on the bottom of a column of precious Aquitaine marble in the narthex. — USA TODAY, "Venice flood damage to St. Mark's Cathedral totals more than $5 million," 24 Dec. 2019 This year, the community will be invited to come sing along with the Choir on the choruses - and scores will be on sale in the narthex for those who want to participate. — Houston Chronicle, "Dec. 5-15: Groups ready to entertain with holiday performances in northwest Houston," 3 Dec. 2019 When the fire was over, the only remaining parts of the church were the stone walls, a Civil War memorial in the narthex and the bell tower. — Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, "Five Places Where You Can Still See Remnants of the Great Chicago Fire," 25 Jan. 2018 There are prayer cards for Father Conway in a narthex rack. — Bill Leukhardt, courant.com, "Seeking Posthumous Navy Cross Award For Saving, Praying With Sailors At Sea," 5 Sep. 2017 Donations can be left in the parish office during business hours or the narthex before or after weekend Masses. — Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Arrowhead-Pewaukee News: Sept. 6, 2017," 25 Aug. 2017

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

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Cite this Entry

“Narthex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/narthex. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.

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