crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a representation of Christ on the cross

Examples of crucifix in a Sentence

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.
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.
At the Palladium, James and her bandmate/husband Zachary took the stage in all-black leather, with thigh-high boots, swords, an inverted crucifix necklace and a giant silver Baphomet pendant. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Ali hit Hotch with a 450 splash, but Hotch rolled up Ali with a sudden crucifix pin. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Pinned to the office door that closes behind him is a crucifix. — Noah White, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2026 These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crucifix

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifixus, past participle of crucifigere to crucify, from Latin cruc-, crux + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifix was in the 13th century

Rhymes for crucifix

See All Rhymes for crucifix

Browse Nearby Words

crucifier
crucifix
crucifix fish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crucifix

noun
cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it
Etymology

Middle English crucifix "crucifix," from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere "to crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" and figere "to fasten, fix" — related to cross, crucify, fix

More from Merriam-Webster on crucifix

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crucifix

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