What does pilgrimage mean?
A pilgrimage is a journey undertaken to a place regarded as sacred, historically important, or spiritually significant. The term is especially associated with religious journeys, such as those made to Mecca, Jerusalem, Varanasi, or Santiago de Compostela, but it can also describe a serious spiritual quest undertaken in ordinary life. In figurative use, pilgrimage suggests more than ordinary travel: it implies purpose, effort, and often hardship in the pursuit of faith, healing, meaning, or moral renewal. The word has a formal and reverential tone, though modern usage also describes personal transformations as pilgrimages. Its expression reflects a long history in which physical journeys to holy sites were understood as acts of devotion, while also serving as powerful symbols of faith, identity, and belonging.
A journey to a sacred or spiritually significant place, especially one made for religious reasons.
"The annual pilgrimage to the shrine draws visitors from across the region."
Often pluralized when referring to journeys made by groups or by the same person on different occasions.
To undertake a pilgrimage, especially a journey to a sacred place.
"They pilgrimaged to the mountain monastery during the summer."
This use is relatively uncommon and formal, especially in religious or historical writing.
The regular plural is “pilgrimages.” It is commonly used for separate journeys or for a series of religious journeys.
"Many famous pilgrimages have inspired books, films, and works of art."
Medieval pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela could identify themselves by wearing a scallop shell.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pilgrimage come from?
The word entered Middle English through Anglo-French forms related to “pilgrimage,” ultimately deriving from Latin peregrinatio, meaning a journey abroad or a wandering journey. Latin peregrinatio came from peregrinari, “to travel abroad,” which was based on peregrinus, “foreign” or “wandering.” The same Latin root underlies related English words including “pilgrim,” “peregrinate,” “peregrination,” and “peregrine.”
Related word forms
How pilgrimage is actually used
The word is strongly associated with religious travel and formal pilgrimage, especially in Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and other traditions. It is also common in figurative, often literary or inspirational, contexts describing a profound personal or spiritual quest. As a verb, it is comparatively rare and formal.