1. A hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.

2. Any experience that causes intense suffering.

"Calvary" is a name that signifies or is derived from: "the place of a skull".
Bible Calvary only in Luke 23:33, the Latin name Calvaria, which was used as a translation of the Greek word _Kranion_, by which the Hebrew word _Gulgoleth_ was interpreted, "the place of a skull." It probably took this name from its shape, being a hillock or low, rounded, bare elevation somewhat in the form of a human skull. It is nowhere in Scripture called a "hill." The crucifixion of our Lord took place outside the city walls (Heb. 13:11-13) and near the public thoroughfare. "This thing was not done in a corner." (See GOLGOTHA.). Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary.

Literature Calvary [bare skull ], ~~~Golgotha
Golgotha [skull ]. The place of our Lord's crucifixion; so called from some fanciful resemblance which it bore to a human skull. The present church of "the Holy Sepulchre" has no claim to be considered the site thereof; it is far more likely that the "mosque of Omar," or the dome of the rock, occupies the real site.
A Calvary. A representation of the successive scenes of the Passion of Christ in a series of pictures, etc., in a church. The shrine containing the representations. Source: Brewer's Dictionary.

The word "Calvary", when used alone, has several possible meanings in the English language.

The hill outside Jerusalem on which Jesus was crucified.
A sculpture or picture representing the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus.
A small wayside shrine incorporating such a picture

Synonym: martyrdom (n).