altar

IPA/ˈɔːltə(r)/
KK[ˈɔltɚ]IPA/ˈɔːltər/

altar — noun

  • altarsingular
  • altarsplural

1. a raised table or flat stone structure used in religious ceremonies, where sacre

1.nounB1
Definition

a raised table or flat stone structure used in religious ceremonies, where sacred objects, offerings, or symbolic gifts are placed during worship or prayer.

Example

Nkechi left a bowl of rice on the temple altar as an offering to the ancestors.

collocation: temple altar / make an offering

The wooden altar at the church was decorated with white candles and purple cloth.

collocation: decorate an altar with [item]

Common collocations
  • at the altar
  • before the altar
  • kneel at the altar
  • altar cloth
  • altar candles
  • church altar
  • stone altar
  • temple altar
  • wooden altar
Synonyms
  • shrine

    Shrine refers to a holy place dedicated to a specific saint, deity, or event, often smaller than an altar and not necessarily used for placing offerings during active ceremonies.

  • table

    A general piece of furniture; only called an altar when consecrated and used for religious purposes.

Usage Note

Altars are found in many religious traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous faiths. The shape, size, and materials vary widely across cultures — from simple stone slabs in open fields to elaborate carved wooden tables inside churches and temples.

Common Mistakes

The priest spoke from the altar.
The priest stood at the altar and spoke from the pulpit.
A preacher speaks from a pulpit or lectern, not from the altar itself. The altar is for placing sacred objects, not for standing on.

2. in a Christian wedding context, the front table inside the church — the word is

2.nounB2
Definition

in a Christian wedding context, the front table inside the church — the word is used as a symbol for the marriage ceremony, especially when talking about marrying someone or making plans to wed.

Example

After dating for six years, Ilan finally led Lucía to the altar last December.

idiomatic phrase: lead [someone] to the altar (= marry them)

Camille's father walked her down the aisle to the altar, where her groom was waiting.

collocation: walk down the aisle to the altar

Common collocations
  • lead [someone] to the altar
  • stand at the altar
  • walk down the aisle to the altar
  • get to the altar
  • at the altar (marriage context)
Synonyms
  • wedding

    A direct term for the marriage event; 'altar' is a more poetic or traditional way to refer to the same occasion, often emphasising the church setting.

  • marriage

    Refers to the ongoing relationship or institution; 'altar' highlights the ceremony itself rather than the lifelong bond.

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used in fixed phrases about marriage — 'lead someone to the altar', 'stand at the altar', 'get to the altar'. The word 'altar' here represents the entire wedding ceremony, not just the physical object. Commonly found in wedding announcements, family conversations about marriage plans, and romantic storytelling.

Common Mistakes

The couple went to the altar to pray.
The couple went to the altar to get married.
In this sense, 'the altar' refers to the marriage ceremony, not to prayer or general worship.

Word family

  • altarpiece
    nounC1
  • altar boy
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words refer to places or structures with religious meaning, but they differ in scale and function. An altar is a specific surface — a table or platform — used for placing offerings or sacred items during worship; it is usually found inside a larger religious building. A shrine is a dedicated holy spot, often smaller, that honours a particular saint, ancestor, or deity; it may be a simple alcove in a home or a small roadside structure. A temple is the entire building or complex where worship takes place — it may contain one or more altars and shrines inside. For example: 'The family keeps a small shrine to their ancestors in the living room.' 'The Buddhist temple has three altars, each decorated with statues and candles.'

altar ↗shrine ↗temple ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'altar' entered English from Old English 'altare', which came from Latin 'altare' (meaning 'high altar for burnt offerings'). The Latin word is related to 'adolere' (meaning 'to burn'), because ancient altars were used for burning animal sacrifices or incense as offerings to gods. Over time, the meaning shifted from a place for burnt offerings to any raised surface used in religious worship, and later to its use as a symbol for the Christian marriage ceremony.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1