Definitions

altar boy

NOUN

church helper

Synonyms

WEAK

acolyte acolytus altar attendant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the other candidates pressed their palms against the podiums, ready to pounce on every question, Becerra clasped his hands like an altar boy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Scorsese grew up in New York’s Little Italy as a Catholic altar boy and aspiring priest who was also fascinated by the mafiosos that loomed large in his community.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Leo served as an altar boy and was ordained in 1982.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2025

While he served as an altar boy at his hometown Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Rother seemed destined for farm life.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2023

A priest in a black robe entered behind the last altar boy.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat