sanctum sanctorum

[sangk-tawr-uhm, -tohr-]

noun

1. the holy of holies of the Biblical tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. sanctum.

sanctum sanctorum

/ sæŋkˈtɔːrəm /

noun

1. Bible another term for the holy of holies

2. facetious,  an especially private place

sanctum sanctorum

1. Latin for “holy of holies.” The place in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. By extension, a sacred and private place.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum sanctorum¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin sānctum sānctōrum, translation of Hebrew qōdhesh haqqodhāshīm holy of holies

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum sanctorum¹

C14: from Latin, literally: holy of holies, rendering Hebrew qōdesh haqqodāshīm

Example Sentences

The idol has been placed on a marble pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum.

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The first mob attack took place on Saturday when an unidentified man stepped inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, in Amritsar.

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There were suggestions that some had found their way into the entrails of the stadium, reaching as far as Old Trafford’s sanctum sanctorum, the home team’s changing room.

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Then the riot the next day found marauders in the Senate chamber, Mr. McConnell’s sanctum sanctorum.

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Mr Modi is to lay a symbolic silver brick in the sanctum sanctorum, or innermost sanctuary, of the site as scores of devotees watch the event on giant screens across the city.

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