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 minute repeater function showcases Jaeger’s patented innovations for the function, including cathedral crystal gongs, trébuchet hammers and a silent governor. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026

Floating through crystal-clear water before hiking silently through cathedral-like caverns was easily the highlight of my time in the Mexican Caribbean and a reminder that one of the region's greatest attractions lies well beyond the beach. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Towering cathedrals of ice define the shore, in contrast to the vast, untouched, eerily silent expanses that stretch inland. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026

Here, Windstar’s experts will guide travelers through winding lanes lined with Byzantine churches and cathedrals that date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. — Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 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