# cathedral

/kəˈθidɹəɫ/ (US) · /kɐθˈiːdɹəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cathedral
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. main church of a diocese

noun · CEFR B1

the most important church in an area, where a bishop has their official seat.

For teachers: the principal church of a diocese, containing the cathedra or bishop's throne.

- The city's cathedral is famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows.
- The medieval cathedral remains the architectural focal point of the city, housing the bishop's throne and several historic tombs.

### 2. any large church

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a very large or impressive church building.

For teachers: a large or important church building, used informally regardless of its official status.

- Even though it is just a parish church, people call it a cathedral because it is so big.
- The local community refers to the massive stone structure as a cathedral, though it lacks the official status of a bishop's seat.

### 3. impressive building

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a large and beautiful building that makes you feel small or amazed.

For teachers: a large, impressive, or lofty building or space, used figuratively to suggest grandeur.

- The tall redwood trees created a natural cathedral in the forest.
- The new library was a cathedral of glass and steel, designed to inspire awe in everyone who entered its vast atrium.

### 4. relating to a bishop

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

relating to the office or position of a bishop.

For teachers: pertaining to the office, authority, or official seat of a bishop.

- The priest was promoted to a cathedral position in the capital.
- The document outlined the cathedral responsibilities of the newly appointed archbishop regarding the administration of the diocese.

## Examples

- The city is famous for its beautiful Gothic cathedral.
- Tourists often gather in the square to admire the stained glass windows of the medieval cathedral.
- The cathedral stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution, blending Romanesque foundations with soaring Gothic arches and intricate Renaissance carvings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.