Eucharist

noun

Eu·​cha·​rist ˈyü-k(ə-)rəst 

1

: communion sense 2a

2

Christian Science : spiritual communion with God

eucharistic

ˌyü-kə-ˈri-stik 

adjective often capitalized

Examples of Eucharist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Confirmation Catholic teens are confirmed in their faith as one of the three most important sacraments (along with baptism and the Eucharist). —Jennifer O'Donnell, Parents, 8 July 2024

The focus of the congress and the pilgrimage is the Eucharist, the bread that Catholics believe becomes the literal body of Christ during the sacrament of Holy Communion. —Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 4 July 2024

Organizers expect potentially thousands of Catholics in southeast Wisconsin to take part in processions, Masses and other events as a national pilgrimage focused on renewing interest in the Eucharist weaves through the region. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024

Fourth, most Protestant denominations interpret the Eucharist as a symbolic representation of Christ’s sacrifice, whereas Catholics believe the Eucharist is the real presence of Christ. —Victor Gaetan, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2013

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eukarist, from Anglo-French eukariste, from Late Latin eucharistia, from Greek, Eucharist, gratitude, from eucharistos grateful, from eu- + charizesthai to show favor, from charis favor, grace, gratitude; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Eucharist

• the Eucharist

Kids Definition

Eucharist

noun

Eu·​cha·​rist ˈyü-k(ə-)rəst 

: communion sense 1a

eucharistic

ˌyü-kə-ˈris-tik 

adjective often capitalized

Etymology

derived from Greek eucharistia "Eucharist, gratitude," from eu- "good" and charizesthai "to show favor or gratitude"