Calvary

//ˈkæl.v(ə.)ɹi// name, noun

name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A life-size representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a piece of raised ground.
  2. 2
    Misspelling of cavalry. alt-of, misspelling
  3. 3
    any experience that causes intense suffering wordnet
  4. 4
    A series of representations of Christ’s Passion in a church.
  5. 5
    A type of monumental public Christian cross, sometimes encased in an open shrine.

    "Calvaries are typical of Galicia (Spain) and Portugal."

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  1. 6
    A strenuous experience. broadly, figuratively
Proper Noun
  1. 1
    The hill outside Jerusalem which is traditionally held to be the location of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Synonyms

All synonyms
afflictionanguishbindbucket of syrupcrosscross to bear

Example

More examples

"On Calvary’s cross, where you and I were ransomed, Jesus Christ measured out His blood equally for each one of us."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English Calvarie, from Latin calvāria (“skull”).

Etymology 2

From Late Latin calvāria (“skull”). Doublet of calavera and calvaria.

Related phrases

Calvary crossjesus christstations of cross

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.