Shrine Meaning
/ʃɹaɪ̯n/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, or similar figure of awe and respect, at which said figure is venerated or worshipped.
nounA case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.
Sentence Examples
There used to be a small shrine around here.
The thin man took a rest in the shade of a shrine.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the ancient ____ to pray and meditate.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many people travel from far away to visit the ancient ____ and offer their prayers in a peaceful atmosphere.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English shryne, from Old English scrīn (“reliquary, ark of the covenant”), from Medieval Latin scrīnium (“reliquary”), “case or chest for books or papers” in Classical Latin. Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to turn, bend”). Compare Old Norse skrín, Old High German skrīni (German Schrein).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Entering the tunnel, we pass a small shrine above our heads which contains a statue of St Barbara, the patron saint of tunnellers. It is traditional to have such shrines on every tunnel site."
— 2022 March 23, Paul Bigland, “HS2 is just 'passing through'”, in RAIL, number 953, page 41:
"Shrined in his sanctuary."
— 1667, John Milton, “Book VI”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the ancient ____ to pray and meditate.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many people travel from far away to visit the ancient ____ and offer their prayers in a peaceful atmosphere.