high altar

noun

: the principal altar in a church

Examples of high altar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between 1308 and 1311, Duccio and his workshop created the Maestà (or Majesty), an impressive 16- by 15-foot artwork made for the high altar of Siena’s cathedral. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 The former monastery has kept and restored much of its original structure with ancient wooden doors at the entrance, a high altar adorned with Pietra Serena columns, and 15th-century gardens. Abby Feiner, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024 The limestone Gothic structure was built in phases, with the high altar, choir and western façade completed first. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024 While digging in the quire, a space at the cathedral’s center that houses its choir stalls, high altar and bishop’s throne, researchers unearthed the original foundations of a 12th-century altar, a medieval crypt and the empty tombs of two bishops. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for high altar 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of high altar was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near high altar

Cite this Entry

“High altar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20altar. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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