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noun

ˈaps 

1

: apsis sense 1

2

: a projecting part of a building (such as a church) that is usually semicircular in plan and vaulted

Examples of apse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was just 10 to 15 percent complete, including a crypt, a transept, and some of the apse wall. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

But today, only Maria Miranda wasps inhabit the crumbling apse of her church. —Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024

An ambulatory — aisles for walking typically placed around the apse — was added to the building, bringing its total length to about 180 feet. —Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

Because even the most subtle details matter in viewing the panels, the architects moved the entire apse wall of the chapel forward by 6 inches, the slight adjustment creating a visual gap between the shadow from the sofit above and the top edge of the painting. —Mark Lamster, Dallas News, 24 June 2021

Word History

Etymology

shortening of apsis, perhaps by analogy with base entry 1 : basis

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

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noun

ˈaps 

: a part of a building (as a church) that sticks out from one end of the building, is usually semicircular, has an arched roof, and is often richly decorated especially in Gothic churches