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; aedicule ) + -īlis -ile

Example Sentences

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

During the next 20 years, Caesar climbed nimbly up the Roman ladder of state offices�quaestor, aedile, praetor, consul.

From Time Magazine Archive

Fourteen years later, when curule aedile, he distributed large quantities of grain among the citizens at a very low price.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

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 escaped death on the discovery of the conspiracy, and was afterward aedile, and candidate for the praetorship, but was driven into exile for bribery.

From Conspiracy of Catiline and the Jurgurthine War by Watson, John Selby