sanctuary meaning

sanctuary as a noun

1. a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept

   Type of: place

   Kinds: holy of holies, Tabernacle

2. a shelter from danger or hardship

   Synonyms: refuge, asylum

   Type of: shelter

   Kinds: harbor, safehold, safe house

3. area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing

   Synonyms: chancel, bema

   Type of: area

sanctuary in a sentence

• Critics have said the koala sanctuary is not big enough.
• Would you like to volunteer at a horse sanctuary near here?
• They set up a sanctuary for the giraffes.
• The lake was Gabriel's sanctuary, a place where he could find solace.
• Kalman's treehouse was his sanctuary.

How to pronounce sanctuary

sanctuary is pronounced /ˈsæŋktʃʊəri/ in British English and /ˈsæŋktʃuɛri/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.