cathedral
[ kuh-thee-druhl ]
/ kəˈθi drəl /
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noun
the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's throne.
(in nonepiscopal denominations) any of various important churches.
adjective
pertaining to or containing a bishop's throne.
pertaining to or emanating from a chair of office or authority.
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Origin of cathedral
OTHER WORDS FROM cathedral
ca·the·dral·like, adjectiveWords nearby cathedral
Cathay, cathead, cathect, cathectic, cathedra, cathedral, cathedral ceiling, cathedral glass, cathedral hull, cathepsin, Cather
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for cathedral
British Dictionary definitions for cathedral
cathedral
/ (kəˈθiːdrəl) /
noun
- the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne
- (as modifier)a cathedral city; cathedral clergy
Word Origin for cathedral
C13: from Late Latin (ecclesia) cathedrālis cathedral (church), from cathedra bishop's throne, from Greek kathedra seat
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Cultural definitions for cathedral (1 of 2)
cathedral
A Christian church building in which a bishop has his official seat (cathedra is Latin for “chair”). A cathedral is usually large and imposing, and many cathedrals are important in the history of architecture. (See Chartres, Notre Dame de Paris, and Saint Paul's Cathedral.)
Cultural definitions for cathedral (2 of 2)
cathedral
A church building in which a Christian bishop has his official seat; cathedra is Latin for “chair.” Cathedrals are usually large and imposing, and many have been important in the development of architecture. The building of a cathedral, especially in the Middle Ages, was a project in which the entire town took part. (See Chartres; Notre Dame de Paris; and Saint Paul's Cathedral.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
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