1
: building
especially
: a large or massive structure
2
: a large abstract structure
holds together the social edifice—
R. H. Tawney
R. H. TawneyExamples of edifice in a Sentence
a magnificent edifice with a domed ceiling
the U.S. Capitol is one of our nation's most impressive edifices
Recent Examples on the Web
Hurricane Katrina set back their construction plans, and the new edifice, named the St. Charles Surgical Hospital, did not open its doors until 2009.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Not least because the ruse allows for a Putin or two to die while another survives without toppling the edifice built by the original one.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
And when that happens, confidence in the entire edifice of government will unravel.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
St James’ Park is a centripetal edifice, looming over everything and everyone.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
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T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025
Not least because the ruse allows for a Putin or two to die while another survives without toppling the edifice built by the original one.
—Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
And when that happens, confidence in the entire edifice of government will unravel.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
St James’ Park is a centripetal edifice, looming over everything and everyone.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for edifice
Cite this Entry
“Edifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edifice. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
edifice
noun
ed·i·fice
ˈed-ə-fəs 
: building sense 1
especially
: a large or impressive building (as a church)
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