cathedral

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​the·​dral kə-ˈthē-drəl 

1

: of, relating to, or containing a cathedra

2

: emanating from a chair of authority

3

: suggestive of a cathedral

a cathedral grove of redwoods

cathedral

2 of 2

noun

1

: a church that is the official seat of a diocesan bishop

2

: something that resembles or suggests a cathedral (as in size or importance)

a cathedral of business

the sports cathedral

Illustration of cathedral

• cathedral 1

Synonyms

Noun

• edifice
• hall
• palace
• tower

Examples of cathedral in a Sentence

Noun

the company didn't want just a new office building—it demanded a cathedral that proclaimed its place among the giants of finance

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Located on the southern tip of Lake Como, and wrapped in the natural beauty of rolling hills and the glimmering lake, Como is a worthy destination in its own right, with a spectacular Gothic cathedral, excellent trattorie, and lots of great shopping. —Maria Yagoda, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2024

Her veil was cathedral length and her gloves were lace. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2024

Noun

Attendees of the church’s reconciliation service had to be escorted from the cathedral’s entrance as the crowd’s size blocked the way. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 9 June 2024

About an hour earlier, the bride arrived at the cathedral to a welcome from cheering crowds — and a swirling wind that sent her veil flying up and dress billowing. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cathedral

• cathedral ceiling

Kids Definition

cathedral

noun

ca·​the·​dral

kə-ˈthē-drəl

: the principal church of a district headed by a bishop