baptistry

American  

[bap-tuh-stree] / ˈbæp tə stri /

Also baptistery

noun

plural

baptistries

1. a building or a part of a church in which baptism is administered.

2. (especially in Baptist churches) a tank for administering baptism by immersion.

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baptistry British  

/ ˈbæptɪstrɪ /

noun

1. a part of a Christian church in which baptisms are carried out

2. a tank in a Baptist church in which baptisms are carried out

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Etymology

Origin of baptistry

First recorded in 1425–75; from Late Latin baptistērium, from Greek baptistḗrion “bathing place”, replacing late Middle English baptizatory, from Medieval Latin baptizātōrium; Baptist, -ry

Example Sentences

He’s made stair railings and now is drawing designs for a Gothic-style, 20-foot-long steel enclosure for the baptistry at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend.

From Washington Times • Feb. 23, 2020

“That’s the baptistry there,” he said, pointing to the heated pool where the pastor, wearing waders under his robe, would immerse new believers, including, one Sunday, Larry himself.

From Washington Post • May 30, 2015

In the background, there is a baptistry with a pool in which the converted can get dressed in white and then go to Communion, according to Universal’s own rules.

From Forbes • Jul. 30, 2014

He took with him the memory of mosaics located in the baptistry of the city's cathedral – still visible today — which depict a scary, horned Satan munching on souls in the underworld.

From The Guardian • May 11, 2013

Everyone looked to Shady, as, standing at the head of the baptistry, he seemed to be in the place of the minister.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool