basilicas
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pluralof basilica.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
basilicanounan early Christian or medieval church of the type built especially in Italy, characterized by a plan including a nave, two or four side aisles, a semicircular apse, a narthex, and often other features, as a short transept, a number of small semicircular apses terminating the aisles, or an atrium. The interior is characterized by strong horizontality, with little or no attempt at rhythmic accents. All spaces are usually covered with timber roofs or ceilings except for the apse or apses, which are vaulted.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The major basilicas have a particular connection to the Pope.
From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2025
With their crystalline mosaics and thin, pure light, these humbly elegant basilicas conjure the time when a strange, fervent, unyielding new cult rose from the ashes of empire.
From New York Times ● May 1, 2023
His mosaics decorate chapels, churches and basilicas around the globe.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 18, 2022
In bordering Umbria, thousands more were damaged when small churches and large basilicas crumbled.
From Reuters ● Jun. 22, 2022
Maria Mater Dei, and established it as one of the four patriarchal basilicas, whence it is provided with the "porta santa," only opened by the pope, with great solemnity, four times in a century.
From Walks in Rome by Augustus J. C. Hare