# bethel

/ˈbɛˌθɛɫ/ (US) · /bˈɛθəl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bethel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a holy place or a house of prayer. It is also a name used for some chapels or churches, especially for sailors.

For teachers: a place of worship or a hallowed site. Historically refers to a nonconformist chapel or a dedicated place of prayer for seamen.

## Examples

- The old bethel near the harbor still serves the local sailors.
- The community gathered at the small stone bethel to offer thanks for the safe return of the fishing fleet.
- In the nineteenth century, many port cities established a bethel to provide spiritual guidance and temporary lodging for transient mariners far from their home parishes.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a proper noun when naming a specific chapel or religious building.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.