holy communion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “holy communion” mean?
The Christian sacrament in which participants receive consecrated bread and wine, understood as the body and blood of Jesus Christ, in remembrance of the Last Supper.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Christian sacrament in which participants receive consecrated bread and wine, understood as the body and blood of Jesus Christ, in remembrance of the Last Supper.
The service or ceremony at which this sacrament is administered; more broadly, the act of sharing in or partaking of this sacrament, symbolising union with Christ and the Christian community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'Communion' alone is more frequently used. In British English, especially in Anglican contexts, the full term 'Holy Communion' is standard, and it's also commonly called 'the Eucharist'. 'The Lord's Supper' is more common in some US Protestant denominations.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with the Church of England and its liturgical practice. In the US, the term spans a wider range of Christian denominations with varying theological interpretations (e.g., Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist).
Frequency
Higher frequency in religious communities and texts in both regions. Outside religious contexts, frequency is very low.
Grammar
How to Use “holy communion” in a Sentence
[Participant] receives/takes holy communion.[Priest/Minister] administers/celebrates holy communion.[Congregation] attends holy communion.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy communion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar will communion the congregation. (Archaic/rare, not standard.)
American English
- (No standard verb form; 'to commune' exists but is different.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The communion wine was served. (Attributive use of noun.)
- She wore a communion dress.
American English
- The communion table was prepared.
- He received his communion certificate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, and historical papers discussing Christian ritual.
Everyday
Used within religious communities or when discussing personal/family religious events (e.g., 'My daughter's First Holy Communion is on Saturday').
Technical
Central term in liturgical studies, sacramental theology, and ecclesiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy communion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy communion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy communion”
- Misspelling as 'holy communiOn' (should be 'communion').
- Using uncapitalised 'holy communion' in contexts where it is a formal title/proper noun.
- Confusing it with 'Confirmation', a different sacrament.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are largely synonymous. 'Eucharist' (from Greek for 'thanksgiving') is often the preferred term in Catholic, Anglican, and liturgical Protestant contexts, while 'Holy Communion' is common across many denominations.
This varies by denomination. In most churches, it is reserved for baptised Christians. Some, like the Catholic Church, restrict it further to members in good standing. Others have an 'open table' policy. It is a matter of church discipline.
It is a rite, particularly in the Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions, marking the first time a person (often a child around age 7-8) receives the sacrament. It is often accompanied by a special ceremony and celebration.
Frequency varies widely. Catholic and Anglican churches often celebrate it daily or weekly. Some Protestant churches (e.g., Baptist, Pentecostal) may observe it monthly or quarterly. It is a central act of worship for most Christians.
The Christian sacrament in which participants receive consecrated bread and wine, understood as the body and blood of Jesus Christ, in remembrance of the Last Supper.
Holy communion is usually formal / religious in register.
Holy communion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli kəˈmjuːnɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli kəˈmjuːnɪən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make your communion (dated: to receive communion)”
- “In communion with (sharing beliefs/feelings, broader sense)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HOLY (sacred) COMMUNION (community/coming together) -> the sacred ritual where a community comes together to share in the bread and wine.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL FOOD/NOURISHMENT ('food for the soul'), UNION/CONNECTION ('communion with God and each other'), COVENANT/AGREEMENT (renewing a sacred promise).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a synonym for 'Holy Communion'?