English · Word Candidate

shrine

/ʃɹaɪ̯n/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: shrines · shrining · shrined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, or similar figure of awe and respect, at which said figure is venerated or worshipped.

Noun

Examples

Entering the tunnel, we pass a small shrine above our heads which contains a statue of St Barbara, the patron saint of tunnellers. It is traditional to have such shrines on every tunnel site.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To enshrine; to place reverently, as if in a shrine.

Verb

Examples

Shrined in his sanctuary.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “shrine” mean?

A holy or sacred place dedicated to a specific deity, ancestor, hero, martyr, saint, or similar figure of awe and respect, at which said figure is venerated or worshipped.

Is “shrine” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.