cathedral

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​the·​dral kə-ˈthē-drəl 

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

• cathedral 1

Synonyms of cathedral

Noun

• tower
• palace
• edifice

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

Adjective

The terms cathedral and basilica can sound interchangeable—both conjure images of grand, historic churches. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026

An elevator descent into otherworldly beauty, Shenandoah Caverns features crystalline formations like Diamond Cascade and the cathedral-like Capitol Dome. —Hayley Hutson, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026

Noun

As with a cathedral, a basilica may be a relatively humble edifice, though many are spectacular buildings. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026

Originally built as a private mansion in the 1920s on one of the city’s major avenues, just moments away from the city’s Gothic cathedral and Picasso Museum, the hotel was given a deluxe makeover in 2024. —Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 7 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cathedral

• cathedral ceiling

Rhymes for cathedral

• anhedral
• dihedral
• euhedral
• subhedral
• icosahedral
• octahedral
• polyhedral
• rhombohedral
• tetrahedral

Kids Definition

cathedral

noun

ca·​the·​dral

kə-ˈthē-drəl

: the principal church of a district headed by a bishop