halo
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for halo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A circle of light shown around the head of a holy figure in art.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use halo
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Clipping of Halotestin.
Full origin of halo →Frequently asked questions
What does “halo” mean?
The word “halo” means a circle of light shown around the head of a holy figure in art. In plain terms, a glowing ring — literally around light sources, or figuratively as a symbol of holiness or perfect reputation.
How do you use “halo” in a sentence?
Here is “halo” used in a sentence: “The painting depicted the saint with a golden halo.”
What part of speech is “halo”?
Depending on how it is used, “halo” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “halo” a common word?
“Halo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “halo” have?
“Halo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a circle of light shown around the head of a holy figure in art.
What is the difference between a halo and an aureole?
A halo is a circle of light shown specifically around the head of a holy figure, while an aureole (or nimbus) can refer to a similar glow surrounding the whole body, not just the head. In everyday use, though, halo is the more common term for any glowing ring in religious art.
Can halo be used as a verb?
Yes, halo can function as a verb meaning to surround something with a ring of light, as in "the streetlamp haloed the falling snow." This usage is less common than the noun form but is recognised in standard dictionaries.
What is a halo around the sun or moon called?
That optical effect is often simply called a halo, describing a ring of light around the sun or moon caused by atmospheric conditions. The term is the same word used for the religious symbol, extended to describe any similar glowing ring.