church
English meaning: Church
Definition
A building used for Christian worship, or the wider community of Christians. It can also refer to a particular Christian organization.
Example
“The old stone church in the village holds services every Sunday morning at ten.”
Another example: “The whole family goes to church every Sunday morning.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A very common, neutral noun. Refers to the building, the institution ('the Catholic Church', often capitalized), or the service ('go to church', with no article). Compare 'mosque', 'synagogue', 'temple'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'cirice', from Greek 'kyriakon' (the Lord's house), from 'kyrios' (lord).
Synonyms
- chapel
- cathedral
- house of worship
Related Words
Common Collocations
- go to church
- church service
- parish church
- the catholic church
- church bells
Word Forms
church (n); churches (pl)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
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Language information
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