crucifix

American  

[kroo-suh-fiks] / ˈkru sə fɪks /

noun

1. a cross with the figure of Jesus crucified upon it.

2. any cross.

3. Gymnastics. a stunt performed on the parallel rings in which the athlete holds their body rigid with their legs vertically extended together and their arms extended horizontally from the shoulders.

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crucifix British  

/ ˈkruːsɪfɪks /

noun

1. a cross or image of a cross with a figure of Christ upon it

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Other Word Forms

• crucificial adjective

Etymology

Origin of crucifix

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin crucifīxus “the crucified one” (i.e., Christ), noun use of masculine of past participle of Latin crucifīgere “to crucify; ” see fix

Example Sentences

Locals had said the statue was on a crucifix outside a family home on the edge of Debel, one of the few villages where residents have remained during Israel's war with Hezbollah.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The crucifix and Elgin watch conjured Sunday mornings and the quiet pride of women who never stepped outside without dignity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

A small crucifix is affixed to the wall above, and a rolling, pink-topped hospital table sits on the far side of the room.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

Someone knelt down and clipped a microphone to her lapel, a few inches from the crucifix that dangled from her neck.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2025

For the first time in a long time, I slipped my little crucifix in my mouth and said an Our Father.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez