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

Stained glass was once reserved for monumental cathedral windows, but today it’s being reimagined in modern and approachable ways. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026

Kayakers can explore hundreds of sea caves, including massive, cathedral-like chambers and breathtaking turquoise water. — Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

The interior is like a step into Italy, with tall arches, a dome ceiling from old cathedrals and a mosaic fountain on the back bar, all surrounded by bronze sculptures. — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Enclosed by a network of 13th-century walls, the narrow streets of old York host myriad awe-inspiring relics from its pre-industrial past, perhaps the most famous being York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals anywhere. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 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