tabernacle

noun

tab·er·na·cle | \ˈta-bər-ˌna-kəl

Definition of tabernacle

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a house of worship specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services

2 : a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts

3a often capitalized : a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus

b archaic : a dwelling place

c archaic : a temporary shelter : tent

tabernacle

verb

tabernacled; tabernacling\ ˈta-bər-ˌna-k(ə-)liŋ

Definition of tabernacle (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to take up temporary residence especially : to inhabit a physical body

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Synonyms for tabernacle

Synonyms: Noun

church, kirk [chiefly Scottish], temple

Examples of tabernacle in a Sentence

Noun

worshippers gathering at the Baptist tabernacle on a bright Sunday morning

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

At the site of an ancient city on the West Bank, archaeologists are also hunting for evidence of the tabernacle that once housed the Ark of the Covenant. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Exquisite ancient mosaic uncovered in Israel," 31 July 2018 For more than a century, the converted tabernacle has been filling its pews and placing on the pulpit the biggest names in music—from Chris Stapleton to Foo Fighters. — Kristin Luna, Condé Nast Traveler, "11 Best Live Music Venues in Nashville," 27 Feb. 2018 Today, the priest usually faces worshipers at Mass and the tabernacle is often relegated to the sidelines, no longer the center of attention. — Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, "The Battle Over Who Can Take Communion," 29 June 2018 At the site of an ancient city on the West Bank, archaeologists are also hunting for evidence of the tabernacle that once housed the Ark of the Covenant. — James Rogers, Fox News, "Stunning biblical 'spies' mosaic discovered in Israel," 12 July 2018 Protestant churches accordingly did away with the tabernacle that housed the Eucharist in Catholic churches. — Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, "The Battle Over Who Can Take Communion," 29 June 2018 Ramban understands the Mishkan (tabernacle) as a kind of portable Mt. Sinai. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Jewish Journal, "Sacrifices celebrate our love of God," 19 Mar. 2018 In homage to basketball, Hoosiers have built tabernacles where the Word is fast-break. — Fred D. Cavinder, Indianapolis Star, "Indiana gyms are a testament to the state's devotion to basketball," 21 Mar. 2018 The Ryman was founded as a tabernacle, then repurposed as a concert hall, eventually hosting WSM-AM Nashville's Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. — Tom Roland, Billboard, "Alive And Kickin': Country's Historic Buildings Still Breathe Life Into Business," 3 Nov. 2017

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