OpenSynonym

tabernacle

/ˈtæbərnəkəl/

NOUN

1. A temporary dwelling or shelter

A temporary structure or place used as a dwelling, shelter, hut, tent, or booth.

1.1. Temporary dwelling or shelter

Refers to a temporary structure that provides a place for people to live, stay, or take shelter.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The travelers erected a tabernacle to protect themselves from the harsh weather.
  • The ancient community gathered inside a temporary tabernacle during their journey.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A sacred portable dwelling for worship

The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey, regarded as the dwelling place of God's presence before the construction of the Jerusalem Temple.

2.1. Biblical sanctuary of the Israelites

Refers specifically to the sacred tent described in the Hebrew Bible, where religious ceremonies were conducted and the presence of God was believed to dwell.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The Israelites carried the tabernacle throughout their journey in the wilderness.
  • The priest conducted the ceremony inside the sacred tabernacle.
  • The ancient tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites.

Related Words

  • Mosaic tabernacle
  • Ark of the Covenant
  • Holy of Holies
  • altar
  • Shekinah
  • priesthood
  • wilderness

2.2. A sacred place of worship

Used more broadly for a religious sanctuary or house of worship associated with the traditions and functions of the biblical tabernacle.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The ancient city had a magnificent tabernacle that served as a religious center.
  • Pilgrims from all over the region gathered at the revered tabernacle for the annual festival.

Related Words

2.3. A temporary place for religious meetings

Refers to a tent or temporary building established for religious gatherings, revival meetings, and public worship services.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The congregation gathered in the tabernacle for an evening revival meeting.
  • A large tabernacle was erected to accommodate visitors attending the religious convention.

Related Words

  • revival
  • preaching
  • congregation
  • worship service
  • evangelism
  • religious gathering

NOUN

3. A sacred container for the Eucharist

A small, often ornamented cupboard or receptacle in a church used to hold the reserved Eucharistic sacrament.

3.1. Eucharistic reservation container

Refers to the secure and often decorated receptacle, usually placed prominently in a Roman Catholic church, where consecrated hosts are reserved.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The priest placed the consecrated hosts inside the tabernacle after the service.

Related Words

  • Eucharist
  • tabernacle lamp
  • altar
  • consecrated host
  • Blessed Sacrament
  • reliquary

NOUN

4. A temporary dwelling place of the soul

An abode or temporary dwelling, especially the human body considered as the temporary home of the soul or spirit.

4.1. The human body as a spiritual dwelling

Used figuratively to describe the human body as a temporary vessel or dwelling place inhabited by the soul or spirit during life.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The philosopher described the human body as a tabernacle for the soul.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A portable shrine for religious worship

A movable sacred structure or shrine used in religious ceremonies, particularly in forms of worship outside established religious traditions.

5.1. Portable religious shrine

Refers to a movable structure or receptacle serving as a sacred place for worship, ritual practices, or the veneration of religious objects.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The portable tabernacle was carried during the ceremonial procession.

Related Words

  • reliquary
  • idol
  • altar
  • sacred object
  • religious procession
  • ritual

NOUN

6. A booth used during the Jewish Feast of Sukkot

A temporary booth or shelter constructed and occupied during the Jewish festival of Sukkot to commemorate the Israelites' wilderness journey.

6.1. Sukkot festival booth

Refers to the temporary outdoor structure, also called a sukkah, in which Jewish families eat, gather, and sometimes sleep during the festival of Sukkot.

Synonyms

  • sukkah
  • booth
  • hut

Examples

  • The family decorated their tabernacle with branches and fruit for the festival.
  • Children gathered inside the sukkah to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

Related Words

  • Sukkot
  • Feast of Tabernacles
  • Jewish festival
  • wilderness
  • harvest festival