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 cathedral opened last year after 15 years of construction and has an inner capacity for 5,000 worshippers. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 The cathedral’s attorney, Elizabeth Koeckeritz, declined to comment on her client’s behalf. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 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

See All Rhymes for cathedral

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 7 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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