stations of the cross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Specialised / ReligiousFormal / Religious
Quick answer
What does “stations of the cross” mean?
A series of fourteen images or sculptures depicting events from Jesus Christ's condemnation to his entombment, used as a focus for prayer and meditation, especially during Lent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A series of fourteen images or sculptures depicting events from Jesus Christ's condemnation to his entombment, used as a focus for prayer and meditation, especially during Lent.
1. (Literal) The physical images or markers arranged along a path in a church or outdoors. 2. (Figurative) Any difficult journey involving a series of trials or suffering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both varieties within religious contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Roman Catholic and High Anglican traditions in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but common within specific religious communities in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “stations of the cross” in a Sentence
V (pray/make/do) + the Stations of the CrossN (meditation/devotion) + on the Stations of the CrossVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stations of the cross” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The parish installed new carved Stations of the Cross in the nave.
- We will observe the Stations at three o'clock.
American English
- The church's beautiful Stations of the Cross were imported from Italy.
- Good Friday service includes a public praying of the Stations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
N/A
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or art history papers discussing Christian liturgy, iconography, or church architecture.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively by practicing Christians in religious contexts.
Technical
Used in liturgical guides, missals, and church planning documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stations of the cross”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stations of the cross”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stations of the cross”
- Using 'Station of the Cross' for a singular one (correct but rare; usually 'one of the Stations').
- Capitalizing incorrectly (it is a proper noun/title).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, there are fourteen Stations, though some modern versions include a fifteenth station representing the Resurrection.
Primarily associated with Catholicism, it is also practiced in some Anglican, Lutheran, and other Christian traditions.
Yes, it can be used figuratively to describe any ordeal involving a series of difficult steps or sufferings.
All are acceptable. 'Pray the Stations' is most common, while 'make the Stations' is a traditional phrase meaning to move from station to station in prayer.
A series of fourteen images or sculptures depicting events from Jesus Christ's condemnation to his entombment, used as a focus for prayer and meditation, especially during Lent.
Stations of the cross is usually formal / religious in register.
Stations of the cross: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.ʃənz əv ðə ˈkrɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsteɪ.ʃənz əv ðə ˈkrɔːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was a real Stations of the Cross.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine STATIONS (like train stops) along the path (OF THE CROSS) where Jesus walked, each marking a key event.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY IS A SERIES OF STOPS; SUFFERING IS A PATH.
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'Stations of the Cross' metaphorically refer to outside of a religious context?