monstrance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical (Ecclesiastical)
Quick answer
What does “monstrance” mean?
A liturgical vessel in Roman Catholicism, used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for adoration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A liturgical vessel in Roman Catholicism, used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for adoration.
A showy container or display case, especially one for something considered sacred or precious.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in usage and meaning. Both varieties use the term specifically in a Catholic context.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and liturgical connotations; neutral for non-Catholics but may carry associations of ritual and dogma.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Its use is confined to religious discourse, church history, or art history.
Grammar
How to Use “monstrance” in a Sentence
[VERB] + the monstrance (e.g., bless, expose, carry)[ADJ] + monstrance (e.g., ornate, bejewelled, historic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in art history, religious studies, and history of Christianity.
Everyday
Very rarely used outside of Catholic communities.
Technical
Specific term in Catholic liturgy and sacred art.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monstrance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monstrance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monstrance”
- Using 'monstrance' as a general word for a container or trophy case.
- Confusing it with 'ciborium' (which holds hosts for distribution, not display).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A tabernacle is a fixed safe for storing consecrated hosts. A monstrance is a portable, often ornate vessel specifically designed to display a single host for veneration.
Yes, but it is highly context-specific. It would only be used accurately when discussing Catholic liturgy, church art, or in a very deliberate, figurative sense meaning 'a case for displaying something precious'.
No. 'Monstrance' derives from the Latin 'monstrare' (to show). 'Monster' comes from 'monstrum' (an omen). They are etymological cousins but semantically distinct in modern English.
Historically, monstrances are often made of precious metals like gold or silver and are commonly adorned with jewels, reflecting the sacred nature of their contents.
A liturgical vessel in Roman Catholicism, used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for adoration.
Monstrance is usually formal, technical (ecclesiastical) in register.
Monstrance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒnstrəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːnstrəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The priest raised the monstrance in benediction.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The MONstrance is for MONstrating (demonstrating) the host.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR SACREDNESS, DISPLAY AS VENERATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'monstrance' primarily used for?