noun
Calvary
KAL-vree
Calvary (noun) means the hill just outside Jerusalem where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified. Example: “Pilgrims retrace the route to Calvary every Easter.”
noun
1
The hill just outside Jerusalem where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified.
"Pilgrims retrace the route to Calvary every Easter."
2
A period of intense suffering or hardship.
"Losing the business felt like his own personal calvary."
How to use Calvary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally the hill of the crucifixion; by extension, any ordeal of great suffering.
Common mistake
Don't mix it up with cavalry (soldiers on horseback) — the words look similar but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- calvaries
Fill the gap
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Pilgrims retrace the route to _____ every Easter.
Etymology
From Latin calvāria, "skull" — the traditional site was known as the "place of the skull."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Calvary
See all rhymes for Calvary →Frequently asked questions
What does “Calvary” mean?
The word “Calvary” means the hill just outside Jerusalem where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified. In plain terms, originally the hill of the crucifixion; by extension, any ordeal of great suffering.
How do you pronounce “Calvary”?
“Calvary” is pronounced KAL-vree (/ˈkæl.v(ə.)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Calvary” in a sentence?
Here is “Calvary” used in a sentence: “Pilgrims retrace the route to Calvary every Easter.”
What part of speech is “Calvary”?
“Calvary” is a noun.
Where does the word “Calvary” come from?
The word “Calvary” comes from Latin. From Latin calvāria, "skull" — the traditional site was known as the "place of the skull.".
How many meanings does “Calvary” have?
“Calvary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the hill just outside Jerusalem where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified.
