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.
The crown jewels are placed on the high altar without being worn. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Pilgrims could see the rock behind the high altar and pray before it. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025 Before crowning, the new king or queen will place the Christian symbol on the high altar. — Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025 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 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

Rhymes for high altar

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Browse Nearby Words

high achiever
high altar
high-altitude training
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Cite this Entry

“High altar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high%20altar. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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