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
At Sunday’s Mass that launched the daylong celebration, López and Ramírez — wearing sequined and embroidered huipil and skirt, colorful ribbons tied in her hair — led a dozen faithful in a traditional barefoot dance bringing the offerings to the altar.
—
Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2025
Across the country, some LGBTQ couples are heading to the altar before Inauguration Day, and people are stepping up to help.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
The altar featured a display of roses and 73 candles to honor each year of her life.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
But the two never made it to the altar, calling off the engagement.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for altar 
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Giovanna Dell'orto, Twin Cities, 20 Jan. 2025
Across the country, some LGBTQ couples are heading to the altar before Inauguration Day, and people are stepping up to help.
—Leah Asmelash, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
The altar featured a display of roses and 73 candles to honor each year of her life.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
But the two never made it to the altar, calling off the engagement.
—Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for altar
Dictionary Entries Near altar
Cite this Entry
“Altar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altar. Accessed 27 Jan. 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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