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
The Gozzoli frescoes, which occupy a high octagonal apse in San Francesco, had the same warmth and intimacy of the artist’s Magi paintings.
—
Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for apse 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for apse
Articles Related to apse
Dictionary Entries Near apse
Cite this Entry
“Apse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apse. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apse
noun
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share