altar

UK: /ˈɔːltə^r/ US: /ˈɔltɚ/ ,(ôl′tər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

al•tar /ˈɔltɚ/   n. [countable]

1. a raised place or structure, as a platform, where religious rites are performed.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

al•tar  (ôl′tər), n. 

1. an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform, at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc.
2. [Eccles.] See communion table. 
3. (cap.) [Astron.] the constellation Ara.
4. (in a dry dock) a ledge for supporting the feet of shorings.
5. lead to the altar, to marry:
   After a five-year courtship, he led her to the altar.

• Latin altāria (plural), of disputed origin and formation, but probably akin to Latin adolēre to ritually burn, Umbrian uřetu let it burn
• Old French aut(i)er), Old English alter (Old English also altar; compare Middle Dutch outaer, Old Saxon, Old Norse altari, Old High German altāri)
• Middle English alter, altar (influenced by Latin), auter (bef. 1000

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

altar / ˈɔːltə/ noun

1. a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed
2. (in Christian churches) the communion table
3. a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand

Etymology: Old English, from Latin altāria (plural) altar, from altus high