Calvary

[kal-vuh-ree] /ˈkæl və ri/

noun, plural Calvaries for 2, 3.

Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. Luke 23:33.

(often lowercase) a sculptured representation of the Crucifixion, usually erected in the open air.

(lowercase) an experience or occasion of extreme suffering, especially mental suffering.

Origin

< Late Latin Calvāria Calvary < Latin calvāria a skull, used to translate Greek kraníon cranium, itself a translation of the Aramaic name; see Golgotha

Can be confused

Calvary, cavalry.

Pronunciation note

See irrelevant.

British Dictionary definitions for Calvary

calvary

/ˈkælvərɪ/

noun (pl) -ries

(often capital) a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air

any experience involving great suffering

Calvary

/ˈkælvərɪ/

noun

the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified Also called Golgotha

Word Origin

from Late Latin Calvāria, translation of Greek kranion skull, translation of Aramaic gulgulta Golgotha

Word Origin and History for Calvary

name of the mount of the Crucifixion, late 14c., from Latin Calvaria (Greek Kraniou topos), translating Aramaic gulgulta "place of the skull" (see Golgotha). Rendered literally in Old English as Heafodpannan stow. Latin Calvaria is related to calvus "bald" (see Calvin).

Calvary in Culture

Calvary definition

The hill near Jerusalem on which Jesus was crucified. The name is Latin for “Place of the Skull”; it is also called Golgotha. (See Crucifixion.)

Calvary in the Bible

only in Luke 23:33, the Latin name Calvaria, which was used as a translation of the Greek word _Kranion_, by which the Hebrew word _Gulgoleth_ was interpreted, "the place of a skull." It probably took this name from its shape, being a hillock or low, rounded, bare elevation somewhat in the form of a human skull. It is nowhere in Scripture called a "hill." The crucifixion of our Lord took place outside the city walls (Heb. 13:11-13) and near the public thoroughfare. "This thing was not done in a corner." (See GOLGOTHA.)