B2noun1K

Temple

UK /["/ˈtempl/"]/US /["/ˈtempl/"]/

Definition

a building used for religious worship, especially in religions other than Christianity

In simple words: A building for worship or prayer.

Examples

the Temple of Diana at Ephesus
a **Buddhist/Hindu/Sikh temple**
to go to temple *(= to a service in a , where Jewish people worship)
They went to pray in the temple.
These deities prevent evil spirits from entering the temple precincts.
a temple dedicated to Venus
the great temples of Egypt
He had black hair, greying at the temples.
There was a throbbing in her temples.

Usage notes

Used in both religious and secular contexts. Common when discussing places of worship across various religions. Less common in casual conversation unless discussing specific cultural sites.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'temple' as a 'temple of peace'—a calm place to reflect and pray.

Collocations

great
ancient
classical
dedicate
priest
priestess
complex
in a/the temple
to temple
left
right
throbbing
massage
rub
throb
at somebody’s/the temples
in somebody’s temples

Synonyms

shrine
sanctuary
place of worship
church
mosque

Antonyms

desecration
disrespect

Common mistakes

Confused with 'temple' in a historical context vs a modern church.
Using 'temple' only for Hindu places, rather than for other religions too.
Mispronouncing as 'temp-el' instead of 'tem-puhl'.