First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1church
noun \ˈchərch\
: a building that is used for Christian religious services
: religious services held in a church
: a particular Christian group
Full Definition of CHURCH
1
: a building for public and especially Christian worship
2
: the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3
often capitalized : a body or organization of religious believers: as a : the whole body of Christians b : denomination <the Presbyterian church> c : congregation
4
: a public divine worship <goes to church every Sunday>
5
: the clerical profession <considered the church as a possible career>
See church defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CHURCH
Middle English chirche, from Old English cirice, ultimately from Late Greek kyriakon, from Greek, neuter of kyriakos of the lord, from kyrios lord, master; akin to Sanskrit śūra hero, warrior
Related to CHURCH
- Synonyms
- kirk [chiefly Scottish], tabernacle, temple
- Antonyms
- laity
Other Architecture Terms
2church
adjective
Definition of CHURCH
1
: of or relating to a church <church government>
2
chiefly British : of or relating to the established church
First Known Use of CHURCH
before 12th century
3church
verb
Definition of CHURCH
transitive verb
: to bring to church to receive one of its rites
First Known Use of CHURCH
14th century
Church
biographical name \ˈchərch\
Definition of CHURCH
Frederic Edwin 1826–1900 Am. painter
CHURCH Defined for Kids
church
noun \ˈchərch\
Definition of CHURCH for Kids
1
: a building for public worship and especially Christian worship
2
often cap : an organized body of religious believers <What church do you belong to?>
3
: public worship <I'm going to church.>
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