sacrificial

adjective

sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsa-krə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, of the nature of, or involving sacrifice
2
: of or relating to a metal that serves as an anode which is electrolytically consumed instead of another metal that is present
sacrificially adverb

Examples of sacrificial in a Sentence

their sacrificial acts of self-denial
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This solid resin, used to embalm the dead and as a painkiller (mixed with wine), poignantly foreshadowed Jesus' sacrificial destiny. Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026 As a result, the system does not split pure water and needs methanol as a sacrificial helper. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025 Here, much to the amazement of onlookers, sacrificial animals such as bulls would drop dead after breathing in noxious carbon dioxide fumes swirling up from below. Barry Neild, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 In simple terms, a Whipple Shield is a sacrificial bumper on a satellite, usually made of aluminum, that absorbs the initial impact. Leonard David, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sacrificial

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacrificial was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

sacrificial

adjective
sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsak-rə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
: of or relating to sacrifice
sacrificially adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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