sanctum

noun

sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm How to pronounce sanctum (audio)
plural sanctums also sancta ˈsaŋ(k)-tə How to pronounce sanctum (audio)
1
: a sacred place
2
: a place where one is free from intrusion
an editor's sanctum
the inner sanctums of research

Examples of sanctum in a Sentence

Her office was her sanctum. the sanctum of a church
Recent Examples on the Web And then there were the Satanists — who welcomed him into their sanctum without judgment. Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2024 Tehran is taking its time to reveal how, yet again, its innermost sanctum was violated by Israel. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 31 July 2024 One he’s visibly enhanced … through a path and a way on display in his sanctum adjoining the cathedral. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2024 Nowhere is the balance of pampering and peacefulness more apparent than the spa, a sanctum of holistic self-care capable of transforming even the most tightly wound traveler into a Zen master. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for sanctum 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sanctum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, neuter of sanctus sacred

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanctum was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near sanctum

Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanctum. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sanctum

noun
sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm How to pronounce sanctum (audio)
plural sanctums also sancta -tə How to pronounce sanctum (audio)
1
: a sacred place
2
: a place where one is free from being bothered
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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