temple Definition

temple¹
noun

1. A building in which people worship, especially in ancient and non-Christian religions, and in some Christian sects such as the Mormons.

Thesaurus: sanctuary, shrine, church, mosque, tabernacle.
2. historical
Either of the two successive religious buildings built by the Jews in Jerusalem, one before and one after the exile in Babylon.
3. A place devoted to a particular purpose.

Example: a temple to literature
(especially US)
4. A synagogue, especially in Reform or Conservative Judaism.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon templ: from Latin templum.

---

temple²
noun

1. Either of the two flat parts of the head at the side of the forehead in front of the ear. See also temporal².

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin tempus.

---

temple³
noun

1. A device in a loom which keeps the cloth stretched.

Etymology: 15c: French, from Latin templum small piece of timber.