church

Definitions

1. noun

   A building where Christians go to pray.

   Examples

   • There is a lovely little church in the valley.
   • This building used to be a church before it became a library.
   ≈chapel≈kirk
2. noun

   All Christians as one community.

   Examples

   • These people make up the Church of Christ.
   • The church has billions of members around the world.
3. noun

   A local group of Christians who meet together.

   Examples

   • Many young people learn about family life in church.
   • He was back in church the next Sunday.
4. noun

   A particular branch of Christianity.

   Examples

   • The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534.
   • She was raised in the Lutheran church.
5. noun

   A religious service held in a church.

   Examples

   • We go to church every Sunday.
   • Church starts at ten o'clock.
6. noun

   Religion as a part of a country's power and politics.

   Examples

   • Many countries keep church and state separate.
   • In the past, the church held great power over the king.
7. noun

   Any religious group or its place of worship.

   Examples

   • She goes to a church of her own faith down the road.
   • The church helps families in need.
8. noun

   A group of worshippers, in old-fashioned use.

   Examples

   • The whole church gathered to hear the news.
   • He spoke to the church in the square.
9. verb

   To hold a special service for a mother after birth or for a new couple.

   Examples

   • The old custom was to church the woman after the birth.
   • The priest agreed to church the couple on Sunday.
10. verb

    To teach someone about religion or correct them, in some dialects.

    Examples

    • The old preacher churched half the town's children.
    • The Reverend threatened to church her for making trouble.