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

• tower
• cathedral
• structure

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 National Exchange Hotel opened in 1856, a brick edifice that has stood the test of time. —Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

Indeed, the Supreme Court has been chipping away at this edifice. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

The three connected edifices form a delightful maze of spaces, with stairways and corridors linking the buildings, and six different elevators serving the six floors. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025

The ramparts offer commanding views of Caen’s skyline, while the grounds contain medieval edifices, a 1902 statue by Auguste Rodin and Caen’s main art museum, the Musée des Beaux-Arts (open at 11 a.m.). —Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

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)