cathedral

1 of 2

adjective

ca·​the·​dral kə-ˈthē-drəl How to pronounce cathedral (audio)
Synonyms of cathedralnext
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

Illustration of cathedral
  • cathedral 1

Synonyms of cathedral

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Noun

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
All of the suites are named after other Maine islands; the Great Diamond, for instance, has cathedral-style ceilings, a king canopy bed, a hot tub, and stunning views from the balcony. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 For the symbolic ceremony at the 2,300-year-old Greek theater, the bride donned a Justin Alexander Signature ivory lace gown with a cathedral veil. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
The $4 billion white steel, glass, and marble design by the Spanish Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava — alternately compared to a cathedral and a whale carcass — looks and feels like nothing else on the planet, much less a mall. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026 The interior is like a step into Italy, with tall arches, a dome ceiling from old cathedrals and a mosaic fountain on the back bar, all surrounded by bronze sculptures. — Jenn Rice, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cathedral

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathedral was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing cathedral

Rhymes for cathedral

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Browse Nearby Words

cathedra
cathedral
cathedral bells
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Cite this Entry

“Cathedral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathedral. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cathedral

noun
ca·​the·​dral
kə-ˈthē-drəl
: the principal church of a district headed by a bishop

More from Merriam-Webster on cathedral

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cathedral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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