basilica

noun

ba·​sil·​i·​ca bə-ˈsi-li-kə 

 also  -ˈzi-

1

: an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly

2

: an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects

3

: a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges

basilican

bə-ˈsi-li-kən 

 also  -ˈzi-

adjective

Did you know?

From their noun basileus, meaning “king,” the Greeks derived the adjective basilikos meaning “royal.” In ancient Thera there was a public building called “Basilike stoa,” or Royal portico, and it may have been the prototype of later Roman basilicas. The first of these was built in 184 ce, and by the time of Augustus, there were five basilicas in the vicinity of the forum. They were used for public assembly, transacting business, and judicial proceedings. When the first Christian churches were built, they were often modeled after the civil basilicas.

Examples of basilica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just 10 minutes away in Hubertus, The Fox & Hounds Restaurant and Tavern is a cozy spot for lunch or dinner after a hike around the stunning basilica’s grounds. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2024

At an eventual height of about 566 feet, the Catholic basilica in Barcelona should inch out the Ulmer Münster by a mere 36 feet. —Stefanie Dazio and Pietro De Cristofaro, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024

Churches, cathedrals, chapels, and basilicas are all standard stops for any tourist visiting Europe. —Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2024

The observances in the town of Chojnice began with a funeral Mass at the basilica for the victims of the Nazi crimes, followed by an interment ceremony with military honors at a local cemetery. —Monika Scislowska, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek basilikḗ (for basilikḕ stoá "royal stoa"), noun derivative from feminine of basilikós "of a king, royal," from basil- (base of basileús "king, prince," of pre-Greek substratal origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1