rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycryptUnderground chamber
noun

crypt

KRIPT/krɪpt/

An underground chamber, especially beneath a church.

A narrow staircase leads to the crypt beneath the church.

A simple architectural cutaway reveals a stone burial chamber directly beneath a small church, with descending stairs, low vaulted ceilings, and stone sarcophagi.
Etymology
cryptGreekto hide

The root meaning “to hide” underlies a Greek expression for a “hidden vault.” This image became the name for an underground chamber, especially a burial vault beneath a church.

In context

Esoteric Atlanta48:26
this literature they found in this tomb this Crypt in 1962 is downright terrifying
Mystery Monday: The Orphic Mystery Cult! The OG Protestants and the OG Reformation.

More examples

  • Several bishops are buried in the cathedral's crypt.
  • Visitors can explore the crypt with a guide.
  • The oldest crypts have low ceilings and stone walls.

Forms

crypt · crypts

Similar words

vault
A chamber that need not be underground or beneath a church.
tomb
A burial place, not necessarily an underground chamber.
cellar
An underground room used mainly for storage, not burial.