via dolorosa

noun

via do·​lo·​ro·​sa
-ˌdäləˈrōsə,
-ˌdōl-
: a painfully difficult route, passage, or series of experiences
an epoch which condemns its children to a via dolorosa of examinationsHerbert Read

Word History

Etymology

from Via Dolorosa (from Latin, literally, sorrowful road), Jesus' route from Pilate's judgment hall to Golgotha to be crucified

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near via dolorosa

Cite this Entry

“Via dolorosa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/via%20dolorosa. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!