1. destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, especially caused by fire or war
Usage: often capitalized when referring to the Nazi genocide of Jews during World War II
2. a burnt offering in religious sacrifice
Usage: historical; religious context

Examples

• The museum displays artifacts from various holocausts throughout history.
• Ancient peoples offered holocausts to their gods during religious ceremonies.
• The documentary examined multiple genocidal holocausts of the 20th century.
• Historians study the causes and effects of these tragic holocausts.
• The memorial honors victims of holocausts around the world.
• Religious texts describe holocausts as burnt offerings to divine beings.