1 narthex | Definition of narthex

narthex

noun
nar·​thex | \ ˈnär-ËŒtheks How to pronounce narthex (audio) \

Definition of narthex

1 : the portico of an ancient church
2 : a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

Examples of narthex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the fire was over, the only remaining parts of the church were the stone walls, a Civil War memorial in the narthex and the bell tower. Jennifer Billock, Smithsonian, "Five Places Where You Can Still See Remnants of the Great Chicago Fire," 25 Jan. 2018 There are prayer cards for Father Conway in a narthex rack. Bill Leukhardt, courant.com, "Seeking Posthumous Navy Cross Award For Saving, Praying With Sailors At Sea," 5 Sep. 2017 Donations can be left in the parish office during business hours or the narthex before or after weekend Masses. Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Arrowhead-Pewaukee News: Sept. 6, 2017," 25 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'narthex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of narthex

circa 1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for narthex

Late Greek narthēx, from Greek, giant fennel, cane, casket

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More from Merriam-Webster on narthex

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with narthex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about narthex