English Reference
noun · verb

church

n. · v.
US /ˈtʃɝtʃ/ UK /tʃˈɜːtʃ/ church UK spelling churches

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Religion

    n.a building where Christians go to pray and have religious services.

    n.a building constructed for Christian religious services and communal worship.

    Simple

    The old stone church stands in the middle of the village square.

    In context

    The architect preserved the original stained glass while modernising the church's structural foundations to meet current safety standards.

    chapelcathedralhouse of worship
  2. 02 A2 Elementary Religion

    n.a religious meeting or ceremony that happens in a church.

    n.a public religious service held in a church building.

    Simple

    The family usually goes to church on Sunday mornings.

    In context

    Attendance at church has fluctuated over the last decade, reflecting broader shifts in the town's demographic and social habits.

    Usage

    Often used without an article in phrases like 'go to church' or 'after church'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Religion

    n.a specific group of Christians or a whole religious organisation, like the Catholic Church.

    n.a particular Christian denomination or the collective body of all Christian believers.

    Simple

    She is an active member of the local Methodist church.

    In context

    The Church issued a formal statement regarding the new legislation, sparking a debate about the separation of religion and state.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.organised religion seen as a powerful force in society or politics.

    n.institutionalised religion considered as a social or political entity.

    Simple

    The constitution describes the separation of church and state.

    In context

    Historians often examine the tension between church and crown during the medieval period to understand the evolution of legal systems.

    organised religion
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Formal Religion

    v.to teach someone about religion, usually from a young age.

    v.to bring someone under the influence of a church or to provide them with a religious education.

    Simple

    He was churched in a very strict environment that he later left.

    In context

    The mission sought to church the local population through a combination of primary education and charitable works.

    indoctrinateevangelise
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated