chalice

noun

chal·​ice ˈcha-ləs How to pronounce chalice (audio)
Synonyms of chalicenext
1
: a drinking cup : goblet
especially : the eucharistic cup
2
: the cup-shaped interior of a flower

Examples of chalice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the dead and the wounded sprawled around them, the mocambos gulped the wine from the sacramental chalice. — Literary Hub, 19 Mar. 2026 To an extent Amorim was handed a chalice which has felt forever poisoned. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026 O’Connor’s harrowing depictions of the effects of irresistible grace on the willfully self-damned aren’t everyone’s chalice of wine. — Spin Team, SPIN, 22 June 2026 It’s served in the chalice-like 1960s Bar Basso glass, paying homage to the iconic Milanese bar where the Sbagliato was created. — Mariette Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for chalice

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin calic-, calix; akin to Greek kalyx calyx

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chalice was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing chalice

Rhymes for chalice

See All Rhymes for chalice

Browse Nearby Words

Chaliapin
chalice
chalice cell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chalice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chalice. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chalice

noun
chal·​ice ˈchal-əs How to pronounce chalice (audio)
: goblet
especially : the cup used in the sacrament of Communion

More from Merriam-Webster on chalice

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chalice

Nglish: Translation of chalice for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chalice

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