sanctum
Americannoun
plural
sanctums, sancta-
a sacred or holy place.
-
an inviolably private place or retreat.
noun
-
a sacred or holy place
-
a room or place of total privacy or inviolability
Etymology
Origin of sanctum
1570–80; noun use of neuter of Latin sānctus; see Sanctus
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.
“We stand on the walls, sentinels of the inner sanctum, against the assault of AI slop,” Karp said in his letter to shareholders.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
The goal was to coax lapsed vacationers back to America’s sanctum of indulgence, greasing the wheels of a hospitality sector that’s struggled all year long.
From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025
The current controversy centres around two idols of Dwarapalakas - or the door guards that stand just outside the sanctum sanctorum where the main deity sits.
From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025
After a 16-hour bus ride, Prapakaran removed his shoes, entered through a side door of the colorfully painted building and proceeded to the marble-floored inner sanctum.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 15, 2025
A moment later he led Mack into the sanctum.
From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck
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.
