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

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

Tolstoy believed that once public opinion had progressed enough in the direction of those teachings, the whole state edifice would crumble. —Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025

From Mary Queen of Scots to Oliver Cromwell and Sir Walter Raleigh, many famous Britons are indelibly linked the ancient edifice. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 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)