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noun

1
2
: a projecting part of a building (such as a church) that is usually semicircular in plan and vaulted

Examples of apse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fresco of Christ the Redeemer in Glory with the Heavenly Host by Niccolo Circignani Il Pomarancio (1588) in main apse of church Basilica di Santi Giovanni e Paolo. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Stained glass images of archangels, known as protectors of humanity and messengers from God, loomed overhead in the apse. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025 The location is spectacular: Dating back to the 14th century, the structure shows a stratification of styles where the neoclassical column and the large apse visually dominate. Billboard Italy, Billboard, 19 June 2025 On the third floor, sneak behind displays of men’s shoes to peer down into the apse of the medieval Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois church across the street. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apse

Word History

Etymology

shortening of apsis, perhaps by analogy with base entry 1 : basis

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of apse was in 1715

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Apse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apse. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

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noun
: a part of a building (as a church) that sticks out from one end of the building, is usually semicircular, has an arched roof, and is often richly decorated especially in Gothic churches

More from Merriam-Webster on apse

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