tabernacle

noun
UK: /ˈtæb.ə.næ.kəl/
US: /ˈtæb.ɚˌnæk.əl/

  1. A portable structure used as a dwelling or place of worship, especially by nomadic groups.

    1. The Israelites carried the tabernacle through the desert.
    2. The traveling preacher set up a tabernacle for the summer revival meetings, drawing large crowds.

  2. In some religions, a container or structure used to reserve the consecrated host (Eucharist).

    1. The priest placed the bread in the tabernacle.
    2. The gold tabernacle stood prominently on the altar, signifying the sacred presence within.

  3. A meeting place; especially a large tent or building used for religious services.

    1. They built a new tabernacle for the church.
    2. The community gathered at the tabernacle every Sunday to listen to the word of God.

Synonyms

tent sanctuary dwelling shrine temple
tabernacle verb

  1. To dwell or reside temporarily, as in a tent or movable dwelling.

    1. They will tabernacle in tents.
    2. For a time, the family decided to tabernacle in a small cabin near the lake to escape the city.

  2. To enshrine or contain as if in a tabernacle; to house or shelter.

    1. Her heart tabernacled hope.
    2. The museum was designed to tabernacle the nation's most precious artifacts for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tabernacle" in English means: A portable structure used as a dwelling or place of worship, especially by nomadic groups., In some religions, a container or structure used to reserve the consecrated host (Eucharist)., A meeting place; especially a large tent or building used for religious services..

The phonetic transcription of "tabernacle" is /ˈtæb.ə.næ.kəl/ in British English and /ˈtæb.ɚˌnæk.əl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tabernacle": tent, sanctuary, dwelling, shrine, temple.

Example usage of "tabernacle": "The Israelites carried the tabernacle through the desert.". More examples on the page.