basilica

noun

ba·​sil·​i·​ca bə-ˈsi-li-kə 

also -ˈzi-

1

: an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly

2

: an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects

3

: a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges

basilican

bə-ˈsi-li-kən 

also -ˈzi-

adjective

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Originally inspired by the basilicas and cathedrals of Paris, Luminiscence co-founder Romain Sarfati and his team developed a way to engage visitors with the historic architectural beauty surrounding them. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Originally built as a basilica, but turned into a mosque in 786 was, before being transformed again in 1236, this time into a cathedral. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

On the façade of the basilica in Lourdes, banners were placed over controversial mosaics ahead of Leo’s visit. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

On Sunday, the American pope celebrated Mass before some 150,000 people — many in wheelchairs — on the prairie next to Lourdes’ main basilica. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek basilikḗ (for basilikḕ stoá "royal stoa"), noun derivative from feminine of basilikós "of a king, royal," from basil- (base of basileús "king, prince," of pre-Greek substratal origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for basilica

• silica