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noun

censer

SEN-ser
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Censer (noun) means a decorated container in which incense is burned, especially during religious ceremonies. Example: “The priest swung the censer down the aisle.”

noun
1
A decorated container in which incense is burned, especially during religious ceremonies.
"The priest swung the censer down the aisle."
"Smoke drifted from the silver censer."
"A censer hung from a chain near the altar."

How to use censer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA container for burning incense.

When to use it

It is a fairly formal word, mostly used when talking about religious rites.

Memory tip

Censer, censor and sensor are pronounced the same, so check the spelling against the meaning.

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Easily confused with
Common pairings
swing a censer a silver censer burning censer
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Can you complete this real example?

The priest swung the _____ down the aisle.

Etymology

Censer came into Middle English from Anglo-Norman censier, which came from Old French encensier. That in turn is based on encens, meaning incense.

Origin: Middle English

incense burner thurible

Rhymes for censer

See all rhymes for censer →

Frequently asked questions

What is a censer?
A censer is a container for burning incense, often used in religious ceremonies.
How is censer different from censor?
They sound the same but mean different things. A censer holds burning incense, while a censor is a different word with its own meaning.
What is another word for censer?
Common alternatives are incense burner and thurible.
What is the meaning of censer?
"censer" (noun) means a decorated container in which incense is burned, especially during religious ceremonies.