sacrament

Everyday

1. (church) A sacrament is a holy ceremony in Christian churches, which Christians believe is an outward sign of God's grace (love and help) given to people. tree →
2. The Blessed Sacrament (Catholic) is the bread blessed at Mass, which Catholics believe is Jesus' body. tree →

In the lessons

Catholic and Orthodox churches count seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist (Holy Communion), confession (reconciliation), anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders. Most Protestant churches count two: baptism and the Lord's Supper. Quakers and the Salvation Army do not hold outward sacraments. Phrases: the seven sacraments, receive a sacrament, the Blessed Sacrament.

Examples

• Baptism is the first sacrament for many Christians. tree →
• Catholics have seven sacraments. tree →
• Marriage is a sacrament in the Catholic Church. tree →
• The priest carried the Blessed Sacrament in procession. tree →
• Our RE teacher explained the sacrament of confirmation. tree →
• Most Protestant churches celebrate two sacraments. tree →
• The next Sunday there was the sacrament, and Karen looked at the black shoes, looked at the red ones--looked at them again, and put on the red shoes. tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective sacramental. Spelling: sacra + ment (one c, one m before -ent). Related to "sacred" (holy).