cathedral

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​the·​dral kə-ˈthē-drəl How to pronounce cathedral (audio)
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

Illustration of cathedral
  • cathedral 1

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
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Adjective
Courtesy of Visit Malta Explore Valletta’s harbor, cathedral, and forts The European Union’s smallest capital, Valletta, does big movie-making business. AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025 The world’s sixth largest cathedral towers over the nation’s capital, an immense Episcopal church that also ranks as the third tallest building in Washington DC and the nation’s second largest church of any kind. Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
Visitors can explore centuries-old cathedrals, enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine influenced by Spanish flavors, and immerse themselves in a cultural landscape rich with history and tradition. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 The climber was intercepted by authorities upon his rough landing in the square in front of the cathedral, and the incident has embarrassed the cathedral’s caretakers, who had put in place a new security system and thermal cameras as part of the recent renovation. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cathedral

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathedral was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cathedral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathedral. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cathedral

noun
ca·​the·​dral
kə-ˈthē-drəl
: the principal church of a district headed by a bishop

More from Merriam-Webster on cathedral

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