What does tabernacular mean?
Tabernacular is a formal adjective relating to a tabernacle, particularly a tent-like or portable structure associated with worship. Its most characteristic modern use is architectural: a tabernacular building or design is conceived in the form of a tent, shrine, or portable sanctuary. The word can also have the broader ecclesiastical sense of relating to a church or place of Christian worship. It is usually found in architectural writing, art history, descriptions of religious buildings, or formal discussions of symbolic design. Because it derives from a specialized architectural and religious vocabulary, it is not an ordinary synonym for religious and may sound unnecessarily technical in casual speech. Tabernacular is especially useful when describing architecture whose structure, form, or symbolism evokes a tent-shaped sacred dwelling. Its uncommon character gives it a learned, slightly austere quality, while its history preserves an unusually vivid connection between an ancient movable shelter, the tabernacle of biblical worship, and later permanent places of worship.
adjectiveRelating to a tabernacle, especially a tent-like or portable place of worship; by extension, relating to a church or its architectural form.
- Architectural or structural: relating to a design conceived as a tent, tabernacle, or portable sanctuary.
- Ecclesiastical: relating to a church, chapel, or place of Christian worship.
"The architect's tabernacular design made the new chapel resemble a vast gathering tent."
"The architect's tabernacular design made the new chapel resemble a vast gathering tent."
"The building's tabernacular character is evident in its open interior and symbolic roof structure."
A tabernacle began as a tent; tabernacular is the word for what happens when that tent becomes architecture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tabernacular come from?
Tabernacular comes through English tabernacle from Old French tabernacle, ultimately from Latin tabernaculum, a diminutive of taberna, meaning a hut or shop. The Latin term referred to a tent-like or movable dwelling and came to be associated with religious worship. The same Latin root also underlies taberna and, through a separate English development, tavern.
Related word forms
How tabernacular is actually used
This is a rare, formal, and chiefly architectural or ecclesiastical term. It is more learned than everyday and should not be used as a simple general substitute for religious.
Easily confused with tabernacular
A tabernacle is a tent, shrine, or portable place of worship, whereas tabernacular is the adjective describing something associated with such a structure.