Standard Lemma guide

martyry

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A shrine in honor of a (usually religious, notably Christian) martyr, possibly at his grave.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Major martyries are often traditional destinations of pilgrimages, hence become chapels or churches beyond the local parish needs

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A shrine at a site which "bears witness" to a crucial religious event not related to a tomb.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Late Latin martyrium (also 'martyrdom'), from Ancient Greek (martyrion), from (martys) 'witness'.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: martelaarsschrijn — a shrine in honor of a martyr
  • Dutch: martyrium — a shrine in honor of a martyr
  • French: martyrium — a shrine in honor of a martyr