Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

via dolorosa

noun
Save Word
via do·​lo·​ro·​sa | \ -ˌdäləˈrōsə, -ˌdōl- \

Definition of via dolorosa

: a painfully difficult route, passage, or series of experiences an epoch which condemns its children to a via dolorosa of examinations— Herbert Read

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for via dolorosa

from Via Dolorosa (from Latin, literally, sorrowful road), Jesus' route from Pilate's judgment hall to Golgotha to be crucified

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About via dolorosa

Statistics for via dolorosa

Cite this Entry

“Via dolorosa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/via%20dolorosa. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

progeny

Listen to the pronunciation of progeny

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Return of Name that Color!

  • a light greenish blue color
  • Name that color:
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games