noun
pilgrim
PIL-grim/ˈpɪlɡrɪm/
a person making a spiritually meaningful journey, especially to a sacred place
The pilgrim pauses reverently at the temple entrance.
Etymology
Peregrinus meant a foreigner or stranger, connecting the pilgrim with someone away from home. The religious sense narrows that traveler to someone journeying to a holy place for spiritual benefit or obligation.
In context
you're a pilgrim. You're not just a hiker. There's a sort of spiritual elevation to the process.
More examples
- Pilgrims gathered outside the holy city.
- She met fellow pilgrims on the road to Santiago.
- The hostel provides beds for weary pilgrims.
Forms
pilgrim · pilgrims
pilgrimage noun — a spiritually significant journey
Similar words
- traveler
- Does not imply a spiritual purpose.
- worshiper
- Need not make a journey to a sacred destination.