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

From altars to recipes, here are all the ways The Times commemorated the Day of the Dead. —Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

To honor the deceased, foods such as sugar skulls, sweetbread rolls and beverages are arranged on ofrendas, or house altars, along with clay ornaments and sentimental objects. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

One thing is for certain in all observing communities: The lively adornment of sacred spaces, including the home and one’s altar, is a big part of this celebration. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Here's who got married in Love Is Blind season 7 finale — and who didn't make it to the altar 1. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024

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