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sanctum

noun sanc·tum \ ˈsaŋ(k)-təm \
|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Definition of sanctum

plural sanctums also sancta play \ˈsaŋ(k)-tə\
1 : a sacred place
2 : a place where one is free from intrusion
  • an editor's sanctum
  • the inner sanctums of research

See sanctum defined for English-language learners

See sanctum defined for kids

Examples of sanctum in a Sentence

  1. Her office was her sanctum.

  2. the sanctum of a church

Recent Examples of sanctum from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of sanctum

Late Latin, from Latin, neuter of sanctus sacred

sanctum Synonyms

Synonyms

asylum, harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, shelter;

Related Words

oasis;

anchorage, mooring, port;

cover, screen;

housing, lodging, quarters, residence, rest, roof;

cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair;

lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak;

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Phrases Related to SANCTUM

Related Phrases

SANCTUM Defined for English Language Learners

sanctum

noun

Definition of sanctum for English Language Learners

  • : a place where you are not bothered by other people

  • : a holy or sacred place

Learn More about sanctum

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sanctum

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