Calvary

American  

[kal-vuh-ree] / ˈkæl və ri /

noun

plural

Calvaries

1. Bible. Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified.

2. Often calvary a sculptured representation of the Crucifixion, usually erected in the open air.

3. none calvary an experience or occasion of extreme suffering, especially mental suffering.

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Calvary ¹ British  

/ ˈkælvərɪ /

noun

1. Also called: Golgotha.  the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified

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calvary ² British  

/ ˈkælvərɪ /

noun

1. (often capital) a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air

2. any experience involving great suffering

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Calvary Cultural  

1. The hill near Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) on which Jesus was crucified. The name is Latin for “Place of the Skull”; it is also called Golgotha. (See Crucifixion.)

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Pronunciation

See irrelevant.

Etymology

Origin of Calvary

First recorded before 1000; from Late Latin Calvāria “Calvary,” from Latin calvāria “a skull,” used to translate Greek kraníon cranium, itself a translation of the Aramaic name; Golgotha

Example Sentences

At the Calvary Baptist Church in Minneapolis, the doors swung open and shut as locals sought refuge from the biting cold on Sunday.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

At the site where he was killed in south Minneapolis, close to the Calvary Baptist Church, mourners gathered at all hours to lay flowers and light candles in his honour.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Firebaugh, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 12-25, 15-13 Downey Calvary Chapel d.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

At Calvary Christian School, a teacher told The Times they were surprised by the speed of the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

Today, she is a deacon at the Mount Calvary United Church of Christ in Durham and remains active in church affairs.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• agony
• anguish
• calamity
• difficulty
• nightmare
• torment
• torture
• trial