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
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Adjective
Video aired by local news outlets showed a Catholic cathedral collapsing and part of a hotel’s facade falling onto a car in the city of Penonomé, in the central province of Coclé. — Juan Zamorano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Inside the home, cathedral-height ceilings and generous windows make the open-concept living area feel surprisingly airy and bright. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
Here were once waterfront villas, a cathedral, a busy market frequented by tourists. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Finally, on Saturday, October 10, Giulia and Conor exchanged vows at the historic cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé, followed by a celebratory lunch and reception at Instituto Brando Barbosa. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

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