aedile

American  

[ee-dahyl] / ˈi daɪl /

Or edile

noun

Roman History.

1. one of a board of magistrates in charge of public buildings, streets, markets, games, etc.

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aedile British  

/ ˈiːdaɪl /

noun

1. a magistrate of ancient Rome in charge of public works, games, buildings, and roads

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Other Word Forms

• aedileship
  noun
• aedilitian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of aedile

1570–80; < Latin aedīlis, equivalent to aedi- (stem of aedēs; see aedicule) + -īlis -ile

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

aedile

Scipio was elected aedile, one of four magistrates responsible for Rome’s public buildings and religious games, at 22.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 16, 2025

The aedile had the charge of the public edifices of the city, and of the games spectacles, and shows which were exhibited in them.

From History of Julius Caesar by Abbott, Jacob

Some scribes and runners belonging to the aediles were found, on the testimony of an informer, to have privately conveyed money out of the treasury, and were condemned, not without disgrace to the aedile Lucullus.

From The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Livius, Titus

He was a candidate for the office of aedile, and wanted the beasts for the show which he would have to exhibit.

From Roman life in the days of Cicero by Church, Alfred John

He had made himself popular by his profusion when aedile in providing shows for the mob.

From Caesar: a Sketch by Froude, James Anthony