Pilgrimage Definition and Meaning
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Published on June 20, 2026
Pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for religious or spiritual purposes. e.g., Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to the holy city.
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Pilgrimage Definitions
A religious journey to a sacred site.
His pilgrimage to Mecca was a transformative experience.
An extended journey made to some revered place as an act of religious devotion.
The family undertook a pilgrimage to Varanasi.
A trip taken to a place that is significant to someone's beliefs or to honor someone.
Many fans make a pilgrimage to Graceland.
Travel to a particular location that attracts visitors with a specific shared interest.
The literary festival has become a pilgrimage for writers and readers alike.
A metaphorical journey or quest of moral or spiritual significance.
The book describes the author's personal pilgrimage toward self-discovery.
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A journey undertaken in the hope of finding or experiencing something profound or meaningful.
His pilgrimage across the country was a search for America's soul.
An organized group journey to a holy place for religious purposes.
The church organizes an annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
An act of traveling to a place considered significant to one's personal history or profession.
The scientist made a pilgrimage to the historic laboratory.
To engage in or perform a pilgrimage.
Every year, numerous believers pilgrimage to the shrine.
A movement towards something that one considers to be important or sacred.
The movement saw a pilgrimage of thousands to the capital.
A journey to a sacred place or shrine.
A long journey or search, especially one of exalted purpose or moral significance.
To go on a pilgrimage.
A journey made to a sacred place, or a religious journey.
In the Muslim faith, the pilgrimage to Mecca is known as the Hajj.
(by extension) A visit to any site revered or associated with a meaningful event.
Each year we made a pilgrimage to New York City to visit the pub where we all first met.
To go on a pilgrimage.
The journey of a pilgrim; a long journey; especially, a journey to a shrine or other sacred place. Fig., the journey of human life.
The days of the years of my pilgrimage.
A tedious and wearisome time.
In prison hast thou spent a pilgrimage.
A journey to a sacred place
Pilgrimage Snonyms
Trek
A long arduous journey, especially one made on foot.
Their trek through the Himalayas took three weeks.
Excursion
A short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity.
The school organized an excursion to the museum.
Voyage
A long journey involving travel by sea or in space.
The voyage across the Atlantic was perilous.
Quest
A long or arduous search for something.
The knight embarked on a quest to find the holy grail.
Crusade
A vigorous campaign for political, social, or religious change.
She joined the crusade for climate action.
Expedition
A journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration.
The expedition to the Arctic aimed to study climate change.
Journey
An act of traveling from one place to another.
His journey through the mountains was challenging but fulfilling.
Safari
An expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa.
Their safari through Kenya was unforgettable.
Odyssey
A long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience.
The novel recounts the protagonist's odyssey across war-torn Europe.
Tour
A journey for pleasure in which several different places are visited.
They went on a tour of Europe last summer.
Pilgrimage Idioms & Phrases
Go on a pilgrimage
To undertake a journey to a place of religious or personal significance.
Many go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
Pilgrimage route
A designated path followed by pilgrims to a sacred place.
The Camino de Santiago is a well-known pilgrimage route.
Annual pilgrimage
A pilgrimage that occurs every year.
The annual pilgrimage to the shrine gathers followers from all over the country.
Cultural pilgrimage
A journey made to important sites of cultural or historical significance.
He made a cultural pilgrimage to the birthplaces of famous classical composers.
Make a pilgrimage
To travel to a place that is very important or sacred.
Every year, people make a pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Pilgrimage of faith
A journey undertaken for religious or spiritual reasons.
His pilgrimage of faith led him to many holy sites around the world.
Begin a pilgrimage
To start a journey towards a sacred place.
They began their pilgrimage at dawn.
Spiritual pilgrimage
A journey undertaken to gain spiritual growth or understanding.
She described her trip to India as a spiritual pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage center
A location that attracts many pilgrims.
Lourdes is considered a major pilgrimage center.
Pilgrimage tour
A travel package designed for those going on a pilgrimage.
The travel agency offers specialized pilgrimage tours to sacred sites.
Pilgrimage tradition
A custom involving regular pilgrimages among a community or group.
The pilgrimage tradition in her family stretches back several generations.
Pilgrimage site
A place that is the destination of a pilgrimage.
The temple has become a popular pilgrimage site.
Pilgrimage Example Sentences
The pilgrimage route was filled with travelers from all over the world.
They went on a pilgrimage to the Vatican.
Each spring, they prepare for the annual pilgrimage to the holy site.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide pilgrimage into syllables?
Pilgrimage is divided into syllables as follows: pil-grim-age.
How is pilgrimage used in a sentence?
Pilgrimage is often used to describe a journey to a sacred place for religious reasons. e.g., Her pilgrimage to Jerusalem was a profound spiritual experience.
What is another term for pilgrimage?
Another term for pilgrimage could be "holy journey" or "spiritual quest."
How many syllables are in pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage has three syllables.
Why is it called pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage comes from the Latin word peregrinum, which means "foreigner" or "traveler," reflecting the journey often undertaken to sacred places far from one’s usual residence.
What is the pronunciation of pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage is pronounced as /ˈpɪlɡrɪmɪdʒ/.
What is a stressed syllable in pilgrimage?
The stressed syllable in "pilgrimage" is the first syllable: pil.
What is the first form of pilgrimage?
As a verb, the first form of "pilgrimage" is "pilgrimage" (base form).
What is the second form of pilgrimage?
The second form of "pilgrimage," if used as a verb, remains "pilgrimage" (simple present).
What is the singular form of pilgrimage?
The singular form is "pilgrimage."
Is pilgrimage a countable noun?
Yes, pilgrimage is a countable noun.
What is the verb form of pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage is primarily a noun, but can be used as a verb meaning to go on a pilgrimage. E.g., They plan to pilgrimage to that ancient temple next year.
What is the root word of pilgrimage?
The root word of "pilgrimage" is the Latin peregrinum, meaning "foreigner" or "traveler."
Is the pilgrimage term a metaphor?
Yes, the term "pilgrimage" can be used metaphorically to describe any journey with a significant purpose or goal.
What part of speech is pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage is primarily a noun.
What is the opposite of pilgrimage?
The opposite of pilgrimage might be "homecoming" or "return," as it involves coming back to one's starting point rather than going out on a spiritual quest.
Is pilgrimage a collective noun?
No, pilgrimage is not typically used as a collective noun.
Which determiner is used with pilgrimage?
Determiners such as "a," "the," "this," "that," "my," "your" can be used with pilgrimage, depending on the context.
What is the third form of pilgrimage?
The third form of "pilgrimage," as a verb, also remains unchanged as "pilgrimage" (simple past and past participle are not commonly used).
Is pilgrimage a noun or adjective?
Pilgrimage is a noun.
Is pilgrimage an adverb?
No, pilgrimage is not an adverb.
Is pilgrimage an abstract noun?
Pilgrimage is a concrete noun when referring to the act of traveling, but it can have abstract implications when referring to the spiritual or transformative aspects of the journey.
Is pilgrimage a negative or positive word?
Pilgrimage generally has a positive connotation, associated with spiritual growth and devotion.
Is the word pilgrimage a Gerund?
As a verb, "pilgrimage" can form a gerund: "pilgrimageing."
Is the word “pilgrimage” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
As a noun, "pilgrimage" can be a direct object as in "He planned his pilgrimage carefully."
Which preposition is used with pilgrimage?
Prepositions such as "on," "to," "during," and "after" are commonly used with "pilgrimage."
Which conjunction is used with pilgrimage?
Conjunctions such as "and," "or," and "but" can be used in sentences involving "pilgrimage."
What is the plural form of pilgrimage?
The plural form of pilgrimage is "pilgrimages."
Is pilgrimage a vowel or consonant?
The word "pilgrimage" starts with a consonant.
Is the word pilgrimage imperative?
No, as a noun, "pilgrimage" does not have an imperative form. As a verb, it can be used imperatively: "Pilgrimage to the sacred sites."
Which vowel is used before pilgrimage?
A consonant sound begins the word "pilgrimage," so "a" is the article typically used before it.
Which article is used with pilgrimage?
The articles "a" or "the" can be used with "pilgrimage" depending on whether it is being used specifically or generally.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
