basilica
noun
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From their noun basileus, meaning “king,” the Greeks derived the adjective basilikos meaning “royal.” In ancient Thera there was a public building called “Basilike stoa,” or Royal portico, and it may have been the prototype of later Roman basilicas. The first of these was built in 184 ce, and by the time of Augustus, there were five basilicas in the vicinity of the forum. They were used for public assembly, transacting business, and judicial proceedings. When the first Christian churches were built, they were often modeled after the civil basilicas.
Examples of basilica in a Sentence
ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
The marquee installment, however, centers on the Sagrada Familia, where the production has been granted exclusive access to film the placing of the final stone on the basilica’s main structure — positioned by the producers as a historic TV moment.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
It was placed in an iron cage and buried beneath the basilica and was only discovered during excavations in 1818.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 23 Feb. 2026
Security significant but discreet Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for basilica
Cite this Entry
“Basilica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilica. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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