noun
Common
sanctuary
SANGKT-yoor-ree
Sanctuary (noun) means a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution. Example: “The church offered sanctuary to families whose homes had flooded.”
noun
1
A place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution.
"The church offered sanctuary to families whose homes had flooded."
"The quiet garden was her sanctuary after a busy day."
"The refugees found sanctuary in a neighbouring country."
2
An area set aside to protect wildlife or nature.
"The island is a sanctuary for seabirds and seals."
"Volunteers work at the sanctuary, caring for rescued donkeys."
"The wounded eagle was taken to a bird sanctuary to recover."
3
The sacred, central part of a church or temple around the altar.
"The choir sang from the steps leading up to the sanctuary."
"Candles burned in the sanctuary beside the carved stone altar."
"Only the priest was allowed near the sanctuary during the ritual."
How to use sanctuary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA safe, protected place — whether it shelters people, animals, or is simply a sacred part of a place of worship.
Common pairings
wildlife sanctuary
seek sanctuary
bird sanctuary
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Word forms
- Plural
- sanctuaries
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The church offered _____ to families whose homes had flooded.
Etymology
From Old French saintuaire, from Latin sanctus ("holy") — originally referring to any sacred, protected space.
Related words
Rhymes for sanctuary
See all rhymes for sanctuary →Frequently asked questions
What does “sanctuary” mean?
The word “sanctuary” means a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution. In plain terms, a safe, protected place — whether it shelters people, animals, or is simply a sacred part of a place of worship.
How do you pronounce “sanctuary”?
“Sanctuary” is pronounced SANGKT-yoor-ree (/ˈsæŋkt͡ʃuˌɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sanctuary” in a sentence?
Here is “sanctuary” used in a sentence: “The refugees found sanctuary in a neighbouring country.”
What part of speech is “sanctuary”?
“Sanctuary” is a noun.
Where does the word “sanctuary” come from?
The word “sanctuary” comes from Latin. From Old French saintuaire, from Latin sanctus ("holy") — originally referring to any sacred, protected space.
Is “sanctuary” a common word?
“Sanctuary” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sanctuary” have?
“Sanctuary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution.
What is the difference between a 'sanctuary' and a 'refuge'?
Both refer to a place of safety, and they often overlap. 'Refuge' stresses shelter from danger or hardship, while 'sanctuary' adds a stronger sense of protection where a person is safe from harm or pursuit, sometimes with a sacred or legal dimension.
What is the difference between a 'sanctuary' and an 'asylum'?
A 'sanctuary' is a place of safety or refuge in a general sense. 'Asylum' usually carries a legal or political meaning, as in seeking asylum in another country, and historically also referred to institutions for care, though that use is now dated.
What is a 'wildlife sanctuary'?
A wildlife sanctuary is an area set aside to protect animals and their natural habitat, often where hunting and development are restricted. Its purpose is to give wildlife a safe place to live and breed.
What is the 'sanctuary' in a church?
In a church or temple, the sanctuary is the sacred, central area around the altar. It is traditionally the most holy part of the building, set apart for worship.
