rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryshrinePlace of worship or special honor
noun / verb

shrine

SHRYNE/ʃraɪn/

A place or display devoted to worship or special honor.

The shrine holds a carved cross, candles, and fresh flowers.

A small Christian devotional shrine: a plain stone alcove containing a carved cross, with lit votive candles and a modest offering of fresh flowers.
Etymology
shrineLatincase or box for papers

A scrinium was an ordinary storage case. The meaning became sacred through cases holding holy objects or saints’ relics, then extended to a saint’s tomb and the place of devotion associated with it.

In context

National Geographic28:34
WELCOME TO HARMANDIR SAHIB GOLDEN TEMPLE. THIS IS THE HOLIEST SHRINE OF THE SIKHS AND ALL THE SIKHS HAVE TO COME TO THIS PLACE ONCE, AT LEAST, THEIR LIFE.
God and the Afterlife: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman | MEGA EPISODE | National Geographic

More examples

  • Visitors left small offerings at the shrine.
  • They shrined the relic in a carved case.
  • Several shrines stood along the pilgrimage route.

Forms

shrine · shrines · shrined · shrining

Similar words

sanctuary
A sanctuary is a sacred or protected place, not necessarily a display of devotion.
memorial
A memorial commemorates someone without necessarily inviting worship or offerings.