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DictionarysanctuaryWorship area
noun

sanctuary

The main worship area of a church or temple.

The congregation enters the sanctuary.

Etymology
sanctuaryLatinholy place

The Latin source names a sacred place. In worship buildings, the word identifies the area set apart for religious services or the holiest portion.

More examples

  • Flowers stood at the front of the sanctuary.
  • The choir rehearsed in the sanctuary.
  • They restored the temple's inner sanctuary.

Forms

sanctuary · sanctuaries

Similar words

chapel
A place of worship that may be separate or part of a larger building.
nave
A specific architectural part of many churches, not identical in every tradition.