ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kirk

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkɝk// kirk

n. a word used in Scotland and Northern England for a church. It usually refers to the building itself or the official Church of Scotland.

n. a church, specifically the Church of Scotland as distinct from the Church of England or other denominations. Derived from the Old Norse 'kirkja', it remains a standard term in Scots and Northern English dialects.


SIMPLE

The old stone kirk stands on top of the hill.

CONTEXTUAL

Many families in the village gather at the kirk every Sunday morning for the traditional service.

COMPLEX

While the architecture of the local kirk was modest, its historical significance to the community was immense, serving as a record of three centuries of births and marriages.

Origin

From kirk (“church”). Doublet of Church. The sense meaning fellatio is derived from the shooting of Charlie Kirk, as he was shot in the neck (“fellatio”).

Usage

Often capitalized when referring specifically to the national Church of Scotland.

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