# crypt

/ˈkɹɪpt/ (US) · /kɹˈɪpt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crypt
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a stone room under the floor of a church where people are buried. It is usually dark, cold, and quiet.

For teachers: an underground room or vault, typically beneath the main floor of a church, used as a chapel or burial place.

## Examples

- The old church has a dark crypt beneath the altar.
- Visitors can descend the narrow stone stairs to see the ancient tombs located in the cathedral's crypt.
- The architect designed the cathedral with a sprawling crypt to house the remains of the city's historical figures, ensuring the foundation remained structurally sound despite the hollow chambers.

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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.