noun
altar
OL-tuh
noun
1
A raised table or structure used for religious ceremonies, offerings, or worship.
"The couple exchanged vows at the altar."
"Candles were lit on the altar before the service began."
2
Figuratively, anything treated as sacred enough to sacrifice something else for.
"He sacrificed his health on the altar of his career."
How to Use Altar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA table or platform used for religious rites, or figuratively something people give things up for.
Common mistake
Easily confused with "alter" (to change) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
at the altar
altar boy
sacrifice on the altar of
Word Forms
altars plural
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The couple exchanged vows at the _____.
Etymology
From Old English altar and Old French auter, both from Latin altāre — likely linked to a word meaning "burning place," and later shaped by altus, "high."