bap·tis·ter·y

also bap·tis·try (băp′tĭ-strē)

n. pl. bap·tis·ter·ies also bap·tis·tries

1. A part of a church or a separate building used for baptizing.

2. A font used for baptism.

[Middle English baptisterie, from Old French, from Late Latin baptistērium, from Greek baptistērion, from baptizein, to baptize; see baptize.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

bap•tis•ter•y

(ˈbæp tə stri, -tɪs tə ri)

n., pl. -ter•ies.

1. a building or a part of a church in which baptism is administered.

2. (esp. in Baptist churches) a tank for administering baptism by immersion.

[1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin baptistērium < Greek baptistḗrion bathing place]

baptistery

Either a separate building or the part of a church reserved for the performance of the rite of baptism.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

baptistery - bowl for baptismal water

baptismal font, baptistry, font

basin - a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids; "she mixed the dough in a large basin"

Translations

baptistère

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

The Baptistery, which is a few years older than the Leaning Tower, is a stately rotunda, of huge dimensions, and was a costly structure.

This Baptistery is endowed with the most pleasing echo of all the echoes we have read of.

View in context

In Rome, Kateusz led a group to see a mosaic at San Venantius Chapel in the Lateran Baptistery which depicts Mary wearing what appears to be a pallium, a symbol of episcopal authority given to new bishops.

Researcher presents findings of women at early Christian altars as deacons, priests, even bishops Artifacts suggest women's role in liturgy

A relieve of the Baptism of Christ must have come from a church baptistery;

Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Part 2)

The 18,600-square-foot building includes a new church, chapel and adult baptistery.

Newly expanded church opens in Lincolnshire

The University of Reading professor said they had unearthed the original baptistery where the imperial family would have baptised their children.

Secrets of 'last Roman emperor' REVEALED at ancient world's grandest cathedral; Built in 532AD in ancient Constantinople - today Istanbul, Turkey - the Hagia Sophia is the crowning masterpiece of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian the Great

In Florence, during the 15th century Lorenzo Ghiberti, a famous artist, was called to realise the beautiful bronze doors of the Florence Baptistery, called by Michelangelo "the Gates of Paradise".

Innovation will not work behind closed off borders

Neither church contains any steps except for a single step down into the Baptistery of each, symbolising entry into the River Jordan for baptism.

Brutalist marvels, praise be

With the aid of expert advisers, St Luke's is hoping to apply for a grant to rectify some of the leaking above the baptistery.

Church on the hill 'gem' on at-risk buildings list; but hopes are high that government scheme could save grade ii-listed structure

Shell ornamentations decorating the baptistery and side chapels-the church's most unique features-were partly damaged with pockets of dislodged portions.

5 years after 'Yolanda,' Guiuan Church rises from the ruins

In the Middle Ages, Dante Alighieri created a blueprint for the modern Italian language with his epic narrative poem, The Divine Comedy, and in the mid-15th century, Lorenzo Ghiberti sparked the Renaissance movement with his innovative, designs for the Baptistery doors.

Florence and the cuisine; FROM TOP TUSCAN DISHES TO PHOTO HOTSPOTS, GALLERIES TO GELATOS, SARAH MARSHALL SHARES HER PICK OF THE CITY'S FOOD AND CULTURE