Illustration of monstrance
monstrance
noun
mon·strance
ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s 
: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed for the adoration of the faithful
Examples of monstrance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The image of the solitary pontiff lifting the monstrance into the darkest of dark nights was a gesture that acknowledged and in some ways healed those suffering isolation and grief.
—
The Editors,
National Review,
21 Apr. 2025
It was then placed in a golden monstrance—a sunburst-like vessel with a transparent center—in preparation for the procession.
—
Tim Busch,
WSJ,
14 Oct. 2021
And inside the sunburst, called the monstrance, was the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated eucharist bread that Roman Catholics believe to be the body of Jesus.
—
New York Times,
26 June 2021
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The Editors,
National Review,
21 Apr. 2025
It was then placed in a golden monstrance—a sunburst-like vessel with a transparent center—in preparation for the procession.
—
Tim Busch,
WSJ,
14 Oct. 2021
And inside the sunburst, called the monstrance, was the Blessed Sacrament, the consecrated eucharist bread that Roman Catholics believe to be the body of Jesus.
—
New York Times,
26 June 2021
Cite this Entry
“Monstrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstrance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
monstrance
noun
mon·strance
ˈmän(t)-strən(t)s
: a vessel in which the consecrated Host is exposed
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