Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Judaism) A place of worship for a Jewish congregation: A building or structure where Jewish people gather for religious services and prayer.
   • (Judaism) A portable sanctuary: In the biblical account, the Tabernacle was the portable dwelling place for the divine presence used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, housing the Ark of the Covenant.
   • (Christianity) A receptacle for the consecrated Eucharist: In some Christian denominations, a small, often ornate cabinet or box on an altar used to store the consecrated communion bread (the Host).
   • (Mormonism) The temple: In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "tabernacle" can refer to a large building used for conferences and meetings, distinct from but related to the concept of a temple.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The community built a new tabernacle for their weekly Sabbath services.
  • According to the Book of Exodus, Moses oversaw the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness.
  • The priest placed the sacrament in the golden tabernacle on the altar.
  • The Tabernacle Choir performs at the conference center in Salt Lake City.

Advanced Usage

• "To tabernacle" (verb, archaic/poetic): To dwell or reside temporarily, especially in a tent or humble abode. This usage is rare and derives from the noun's original meaning as a tent-sanctuary.
  • The poet wrote of spirits that tabernacle among the ancient trees.

Variants and Related Words

• Tabernacular (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling a tabernacle.
  • The church's architecture had a distinct, tabernacular style for its altar area.

Synonyms

• Sanctuary: A holy or sacred place.
• Shrine: A place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person.
• Temple: A building devoted to the worship of a god or gods.
• Tent of Meeting: Another biblical name for the Israelite tabernacle.

Related Phrases

• Feast of Tabernacles: Another name for the Jewish festival of Sukkot, which commemorates the Israelites' period of wandering in the desert and their dwelling in temporary shelters (tabernacles or booths).

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated directly with "tabernacle." The word is primarily used in specific religious contexts.

Noun

1. (Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation
2. (Judaism) a portable sanctuary in which the Jews carried the Ark of the Covenant on their exodus
3. the Mormon temple