edifice

noun

ed·​i·​fice ˈe-də-fəs 

1

: building

especially : a large or massive structure

2

: a large abstract structure

holds together the social edifice

—R. H. Tawney

Synonyms

• tower
• cathedral
• structure

Examples 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

But the towers weren’t crumbling edifices in fringe locations. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 29 May 2025

The franchise is 1-8 in Fall Classic competition, with all the home games having been played in its original facility—Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium, a multi-purpose edifice in Mission Valley. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 2 May 2025

For example, the first crack in the Republican edifice was the advent of the Tea Party Movement, one of whose tenets was tough fiscal responsibility, as inspired by a ‘Chicago Tea Party’ rant from CNBC commentator Rick Santelli in 2009. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

In the long term, the collapse of that pillar of regime stability could weaken the edifice of the Islamic republic itself. —The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin aedificium, from aedificare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edifice

noun

ed·​i·​fice ˈed-ə-fəs 

: building sense 1

especially : a large or impressive building (as a church)