shrine

holy place / sacred monument / place of veneration

Noun

pl: shrines

A shrine evokes a sense of profound reverence and stillness, serving as a physical anchor for spiritual or emotional devotion. While often associated with religious relics or deities, the term extends to any site where a person or ideal is venerated, shifting the focus from a general place of worship to a specific point of pilgrimage. In secular contexts, the word carries a connotation of preservation and memory, often implying that the site is kept in a pristine or untouched state to honor the legacy of the subject. It differs from a temple or church by its focus on a specific object or person rather than a general congregation.

Meanings

Noun

A place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person.

"The pilgrims traveled hundreds of miles to visit the shrine of the saint."

Noun

A place or object that is treated with great respect and devotion, often regardless of religious status.

"The old library had become a shrine to the memory of the founding professor."

Last Updated: June 13, 2026•Report an Error