pilgrimage
Americannoun
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a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.
a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
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Islam.
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any long journey, especially one undertaken as a quest or for a votive purpose, as to pay homage.
a pilgrimage to the grave of Shakespeare.
verb (used without object)
noun
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a journey to a shrine or other sacred place
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a journey or long search made for exalted or sentimental reasons
verb
Related Words
See trip 1.
Etymology
Origin of pilgrimage
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English pilegrimage ( pilgrim, -age ); replacing earlier pelrimage, alteration of Old French pelerinage
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In April 2025, several hundred scientists and engineers made a pilgrimage to a big birthday party in Murray Hill, N.J.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026
The pilgrimage, caping Salonen’s “Rituals,” involves dancer and choreographer Dimitri Chamblas, producer Kate Nordstrom and composer Tim Hecker.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
It is the first time in modern history that an Archbishop of Canterbury has undertaken a pilgrimage of this nature in the lead-up to their installation.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
In some cases, they take on a life of their own off-screen, like the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art from "Rocky," which have become a place of pilgrimage for generations of fans.
From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026
“I plan to go on pilgrimage there with the children,” Aunty Ifeoma said.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
