Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Jerusalem cross

Jerusalem cross

8.1
A cross with four equal arms each ending in a small cross used as a Christian symbol
  • noun
translation icon : cruz de Jerusalén
  • The Jerusalem cross is a powerful Christian symbol.

Examples

  • The church was decorated with a large Jerusalem cross above the altar.

  • He wore a pendant shaped like a Jerusalem cross around his neck.

  • The Jerusalem cross is often used in heraldry and Christian iconography.

  • Many churches display the Jerusalem cross prominently.

  • The pendant features a beautiful Jerusalem cross that symbolizes faith.

  • She wore a necklace with a Jerusalem cross during the ceremony.

  • The stained glass window depicted a Jerusalem cross, reflecting its Christian significance.

Synonyms

cross
vsJerusalem cross
293 4.0

A shape with a vertical piece and a horizontal piece used as a Christian sign

is a specific decorative type with equal arms each ending in small bars
Greek cross
vsJerusalem cross
5.6

A cross with four arms that are the same length used in Christian art and church buildings

is the version with small bars at each arm end

Surface Forms

Jerusalem cross singular
Jerusalem crosses plural

Morphology

Jerusalem + cross

The compound is fully compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'Jerusalem' (a place with religious associations) and 'cross' (a Christian symbol) can infer this refers to a type or form of cross associated with Jerusalem. They might not know the precise heraldic shape (the four small crosses), but the basic meaning as a Christian cross variant is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Jerusalem cross is a design with a big cross in the center and four small crosses around it. One popular story says the big cross represents Christ and the four small crosses show Christianity reaching the four corners of the world, so the symbol is used 'to show faith' and to link to Jerusalem.