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
Politics happened in the compounds of the council’s most powerful constituencies, and religious practices were more personal, with altars and incense burners inside people’s homes.
—
Lizzie Wade, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
There have been some changes, including a modern bronze main altar, baptismal font and lectern.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
Cupich was seated with other cardinals just to the right of the pope on the altar, before a crowd of roughly 100,000 worshippers, including numerous dignitaries and global faith leaders.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Lauren Sánchez is headed to the altar in style
The Emmy-winning journalist will soon tie the knot with Amazon founder Jezz Bezos
See all of her Paris bachelorette party looks so far
Lauren Sánchez is putting her stamp on bridal fashion ahead of her big day!
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for altar
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Lizzie Wade, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
There have been some changes, including a modern bronze main altar, baptismal font and lectern.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
Cupich was seated with other cardinals just to the right of the pope on the altar, before a crowd of roughly 100,000 worshippers, including numerous dignitaries and global faith leaders.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Lauren Sánchez is headed to the altar in style
The Emmy-winning journalist will soon tie the knot with Amazon founder Jezz Bezos
See all of her Paris bachelorette party looks so far
Lauren Sánchez is putting her stamp on bridal fashion ahead of her big day!
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for altar
Cite this Entry
“Altar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altar. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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