noun

baptistry

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Baptistry (noun) means a baptistry is a part of a church, or a separate room or building attached to one, that holds the font and is used for Christian baptism. Example: “The baptistry stood near the church entrance, with its stone font in the centre.”

noun

Christianity A baptistry is a part of a church, or a separate room or building attached to one, that holds the font and is used for Christian baptism.

"The baptistry stood near the church entrance, with its stone font in the centre."

"Parents gathered in the baptistry for their child's christening."

"The old cathedral has a separate baptistry building beside the main church."

Christianity A baptistry is also an indoor pool used for baptising people by full immersion.

"He stepped down into the baptistry to be baptised by immersion."

"The church built a new baptistry beneath the stage for full-immersion baptisms."

How to use baptistry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA baptistry is the space or pool in a church set aside for baptisms.

When to use it

It is a specifically religious term, used mainly in Christian and church contexts.

Memory tip

Treat 'baptistry' and 'baptistery' as interchangeable spellings of the same word.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

baptistery

Common pairings

church baptistry baptistry font immersion baptistry baptised in the baptistry

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ stood near the church entrance, with its stone font in the centre.

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English baptistery, which itself derives from Ecclesiastical Latin baptistērium, going back to Ancient Greek baptistḗrion. It is formed from baptism together with the suffix -ry.

Origin: Ecclesiastical Latin, from Ancient Greek

Rhymes for baptistry

ministry artistry registry palmistry chemistry dentistry biochemistry

See all rhymes for baptistry →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a baptistry and a font?

A font is the container that holds the water, while a baptistry is the wider space or pool, which may contain a font or be a pool in its own right.

Is baptistry spelled differently anywhere?

Yes, 'baptistery' is an accepted alternative spelling of the same word.

Do all churches have a baptistry?

Not all churches have a separate baptistry; some simply keep a font within the main body of the church instead.

What is the meaning of baptistry?

"baptistry" (noun) means a baptistry is a part of a church, or a separate room or building attached to one, that holds the font and is used for Christian baptism.