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sacrament

noun
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sac·​ra·​ment | \ ˈsa-krə-mənt How to pronounce sacrament (audio) \

Definition of sacrament

1a : a Christian rite (such as baptism or the Eucharist) that is believed to have been ordained by Christ and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality
b : a religious rite or observance comparable to a Christian sacrament
2 capitalized
a : communion sense 2a
b : blessed sacrament
3 : something likened to a religious sacrament saw voting as a sacrament of democracy

Examples of sacrament in a Sentence

They stood in line to receive the Sacrament.
Recent Examples on the Web In the Catholic faith, the last rites are a sacrament preparing a person to enter heaven. — Star Tribune, "Chaplains adapt to new COVID-19 calling," 5 Dec. 2020 Several clergy members have even gone as far as insisting that faith in the communion sacrament can shield people from the virus. — New York Times, "Greek Orthodox Church Faces Criticism as Virus Hits Its Ranks," 5 Dec. 2020 Wilder’s table marks a rite, like a sacrament, where a congregation of people figuratively and literally break bread. — Maya Phillips, New York Times, "Eat Up! Drama is Served at These Family Dinners," 25 Nov. 2020 Gregory, however, noted that never once during Biden's time as vice president did a Washington priest withhold the sacrament from him. — Nicholas Rowan, Washington Examiner, "DC archbishop won't deny Biden communion over abortion controversy," 24 Nov. 2020 Most customers who order our sacrament trays think her husband made them, the woman said. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "How the coronavirus has reshaped LDS missionaries and members as they find new meaning in a new normal," 30 Sep. 2020 Home sacrament looks different in each home, tailored to the circumstances of individual families. — The Salt Lake Tribune, "How the coronavirus has reshaped LDS missionaries and members as they find new meaning in a new normal," 30 Sep. 2020 In Roman Catholic tradition, the altar is among the most sacred of church spaces, serving as the focal point of the Mass and the place where a priest consecrates the Eucharist during the sacrament of Holy Communion. — Sara Pagones, NOLA.com, "Priest recorded having group sex on altar of Pearl River church, police say; 3 arrested," 8 Oct. 2020 Being able to watch sacrament meetings from home is new. — David Noyce, The Salt Lake Tribune, "This week in Mormon Land: LDS voters in political tug of war, apostle on sticking with the church, Eliza Snow’s call to healing sisters," 17 Sep. 2020

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

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First Known Use of sacrament

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for sacrament

Middle English sacrement, sacrament, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin sacramentum, from Latin, oath of allegiance, obligation, from sacrare to consecrate

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Time Traveler for sacrament

Time Traveler

The first known use of sacrament was in the 13th century

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Statistics for sacrament

Last Updated

21 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sacrament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrament. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for sacrament

sacrament

noun
How to pronounce sacrament (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of sacrament

: an important Christian ceremony (such as baptism or marriage)
: the bread and wine that are eaten and drunk during the Christian ceremony of Communion

See the full definition for sacrament in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sacrament

noun
sac·​ra·​ment | \ ˈsa-krə-mənt How to pronounce sacrament (audio) \

Kids Definition of sacrament

: a Christian religious act or ceremony that is considered especially sacred

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More from Merriam-Webster on sacrament

Nglish: Translation of sacrament for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of sacrament for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sacrament

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