cathedral Hear it!

cathedral Definition

ca·thedral (kə t̸hē′drəl)

noun

  1. the main church of a bishop's see, containing the cathedra
  2. loosely any large, imposing church

Etymology: ME < OFr < LL cathedralis (ecclesia), (church) of a bishop's seat < L cathedra: see cathedra

adjective

  1. of, like, or containing a cathedra
  2. official; authoritative
  3. of or like a cathedral

cathedral Synonyms

cathedral

n.

  1. principal church, bishop's seat, temple, house of God, house of prayer, Holy place, minster, basilica, duomo; see also church 1, temple.

    Parts of a cathedral include: altar, sanctuary, holy of holies, sacristy, sacrarium, holy table, baptistery, chapel, chancel, apse, choir, nave, aisle, transept, crypt, pew, seat, pulpit, confessional.

  2. Famous cathedrals include: St. Peter's (Rome); St. Paul's (London); Notre Dame (Paris); St. Matthew's, Washington National (Washington D.C.); St. John the Divine, St. Patrick's (New York).

  3. Famous cathedrals are also at: Rouen, Beauvais, Amiens, Strasbourg, Reims, Milan, Pisa, Florence, Cologne, Canterbury, Lincoln, Wells, Nidaros, Madrid, Seville, Mexico City.

cathedral Usage Examples

Preposition: of

diocese: The term ' Rural ' was used to distinguish these units from the dean and chapter of the cathedral of the diocese.

Converse of object

  • boast: The city dates from roman times and boasts a magnificent cathedral and Norman castle in the uphill historic Bailgate area.
  • soar: Accommodation situated opposite the soaring Gothic cathedral, right in the center, the setting is both elegant and convenient.
  • overlook: Located next to the castle, overlooking the cathedral and the Tyne and Millenium Bridges.
  • rebuild: What was to raise it to the crest of the wave was the astonishing decision to rebuild the whole cathedral.
  • visit: We also visit the Gothic cathedral in the charming old town.

Adjective modifier

  • Gothic: We also visit the Gothic cathedral in the charming old town.
  • magnificent: Standing high above the sea, this is a magnificent gothic cathedral.
  • Romanesque: Jackson was dazzled and proclaimed the Romanesque cathedral the best of its kind.
  • medieval: The towering medieval cathedrals were in fact heaps of stone without any significant tensile stresses.
  • Anglo-Saxon: Anglo-Saxon Cathedral By far the most important find was the remains of the Anglo-Saxon cathedral, just 0.20m below the 1786 floor.
  • Catholic: Westminster Cathedral can be said to be the only Catholic cathedral able to match the splendor of Anglican church music.

Modifies a noun

  • organist: It was said to have been designed by a cathedral organist.
  • chorister: It was the opportunity to be exposed to classical music - yes I was a cathedral chorister!
  • choir: Each night 50 or 60 people gathered in the cathedral choir stalls to sing Compline gently to round off a very full day.
  • priory: This arrangement as a cathedral priory lasted until 1920.
  • spire: The tall cathedral spire is a great reference point for learners!
  • precinct: Immediately to the right of the cross is an archway and narrow passage leading to Great Minster Street and the cathedral precincts.

Noun used with modifier

  • Gothic: Palma has Gaudi architecture and a tremendous Gothic cathedral More than 95 % of Majorca's economy is tourist driven.
  • sandstone: In the old city center stands the ancient red sandstone cathedral or Münster ( parts date from the ninth to 13th century ).