edifice

noun

ed·​i·​fice ˈe-də-fəs 

1

: building

especially : a large or massive structure

2

: a large abstract structure

holds together the social edifice

—R. H. Tawney

Synonyms

• cathedral
• hall
• palace
• tower

Examples of edifice in a Sentence

a magnificent edifice with a domed ceiling

the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices

Recent Examples on the Web

The work calls for climbing any manner of tall objects and edifices – frequently flagpoles but also towers, smokestacks and even the occasional cross – to install, repair, paint, maintain or inspect them. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024

The nature of the academic process naturally favors building on the existing edifice of theory instead of starting over, on fresh ground. —Steve Denning, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

In September, Porte Jacquemus visits New York to oversee final renovations to his first American storefront, housed within a clapboard edifice on the corner of Spring and Wooster streets. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

Always experiencing an identity crisis as evident in the ever-changing naming rights associated with the coliseum, sadness exudes from the concrete edifice. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edifice

noun

ed·​i·​fice ˈed-ə-fəs 

: building sense 1

especially : a large or impressive building (as a church)