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

In total, eight of the country’s most beloved actors joined together to fawn at the altar of SNL and, specifically, its creator. —Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 13 Feb. 2025

Another beautiful Belle Plaine wedding at Trinity church was yesterday when Howard Voigt of Jordan led Miss Lucille Zaun to the altar. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Security camera footage shows Sommers leaving his pew, rushing up to the altar near the end of the service and attempting to strike Rev. David Gaines in the face. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 7 Feb. 2025

Later this year, the skull formerly known as Aquinas’ will wend its way back to its permanent place of rest, buried under the altar of the Dominican church in Toulouse, France. —Therese Cory, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 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

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