crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a representation of Christ on the cross

Examples of crucifix in a Sentence

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.
Recent Examples on the Web Panayiotou rocks his signature aviator shades, crucifix pendant earring and perfect five o’clock shadow. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2024 In the church’s nave, nuns were buried in wooden coffins filled with crucifixes, medals and small bone crosses. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 White tulle and cone bras come to mind as much as crucifixes and Marilyn Monroe-esque ensembles. EW.com, 20 Feb. 2024 The cover art for the new track sees the rapper taking Jesus’ place on a crucifix as five bystanders begin to raise him off the ground. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2024 Since 1928, Mickey cartoons haven't included crucifixes or Lovecraftian horrors, so whatever concepts that aren't included in the original works have come from the Stable Diffusion XL base model. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2024 The show presents itself as serious news reporting stories of supernatural beings, shocking occult discoveries and mysterious occurrences from around the world, leaving nanas clutching their rosaries and buying extra crucifixes to ward off spirits and goblins. Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 The sisters’ sadness is scarcely externalized, but the creeping ooze of their despair pervades every frame, including a striking shot of a wooden crucifix with a pink lacy bra slung across it to dry. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024 For his part, David has a tattoo of his son’s name under the crucifix, according to Men's Health. Emy Lacroix, Peoplemag, 2 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crucifix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifixus, past participle of crucifigere to crucify, from Latin cruc-, crux + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifix was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near crucifix

Cite this Entry

“Crucifix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifix. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun
cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks How to pronounce crucifix (audio)
: a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it
Etymology

Middle English crucifix "crucifix," from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere "to crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" and figere "to fasten, fix" — related to cross, crucify, fix

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