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

The cathedral dates back to the 12th century. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

The Pucci Palace in Florence, dating back to the fourteenth century, has extraordinary rooftop views of Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome. —Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025

Noun

The Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, a nonprofit founded in 2017, has led international fundraising efforts to rebuild and restore the cathedral. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

As Lorentz tied the knot with his bride Jade, the cathedral was filled with bright lights, candles and statues. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025

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