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

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

As debate continues internationally, the cathedral leadership has reiterated that the installation is entirely temporary, intends no lasting alteration or harm, and seeks to foster inclusive dialogue. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

In cathedral-worthy glory, the work rose six meters, depicting a surreal celestial sky with 12 levitating apples. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025

Noun

During this period, the cathedral will hold associated events including artist talks and tours focused on the tradition of graffiti in the church’s history. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

In the capital city of Palma, don’t miss the Gothic cathedral and Royal Palace of La Almudaina next door. —Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th 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