# chalice

/ˈtʃæɫɪs/ (US) · /tʃˈælɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chalice
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a large, decorated cup used in religious ceremonies, especially for holding wine during a church service.

For teachers: a large, ornate cup used in Christian liturgy for holding wine during the Eucharist.

## Examples

- The priest held the chalice high during the ceremony.
- The museum displayed a gold chalice that had been used in the royal chapel for centuries.
- Restoring the ancient chalice required careful cleaning of the intricate filigree work that had been tarnished by centuries of candle smoke and frequent use.

---

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.