sanctum

noun

sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm 

plural sanctums also sancta 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

Synonyms of sanctum

• shrine
• sanctuary

Examples of sanctum in a Sentence

Her office was her sanctum.

the sanctum of a church

Recent Examples on the Web

By then, Israeli intelligence had planted a bomb in a Revolutionary Guards guest house that, in addition to killing the political leader of Hamas in Gaza, also demonstrated its ability to penetrate the innermost sanctums of the Iranian regime. —Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026

Visits to the studio sanctum are by invitation only, though. —Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

His primary qualification for infiltrating the innermost sanctums of Trumpworld would seem to be a vast capacity for cozying up to friends of the Donald. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

Make your bedroom a sanctum by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin, neuter of sanctus sacred

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sanctum

• inner sanctum
• sanctum sanctorum

Kids Definition

sanctum

noun

sanc·​tum ˈsaŋ(k)-təm 

plural sanctums also sancta -tə 

1

: a sacred place

2

: a place where one is free from being bothered