altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

often attributive

1

: a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship

—often used figuratively to describe a thing given great or undue precedence or value especially at the cost of something else

sacrificed his family life on the altar of career advancement

2

a

: a tablelike construction used in the Christian church in celebrating the Eucharist

b

: a table or place which serves as a center of worship or ritual

—often used with the to refer to the act of getting married

They are destined for the altar.

She left him at the altar. [=she decided at the last minute not to go through with her planned marriage to him]

Examples of altar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Barca has just had Nico Williams throw egg in its face, after reportedly agreeing terms with the La Liga champion but then ditching it at the altar and signing a 10-year contract extension with Athletic Club. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez aren’t rushing to the altar. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025

Behind the altar is a charming view of Cinderella Castle. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 9 July 2025

In place of a grand altar, Sunna erected a simple table, surrounded by an octagon of benches where the bishop and members of the Sámi community would sit face to face with a sense of equality and respect. —Thomas A. Dubois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alter, from Old English altar, from Latin altare; probably akin to Latin adolēre to burn up

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing altar

• altar boy
• altar call
• altar girl
• altar of repose
• altar rail
• altar server
• altar stone
• high altar
• lead to the altar
• leave at the altar
• on the altar of success
• worship at the altar of

Rhymes for altar

• alter
• falter
• halter
• psalter
• salter
• defaulter

Kids Definition

altar

noun

al·​tar ˈȯl-tər 

1

: a raised place on which sacrifices are offered

2

: a platform or table used as a center of worship