Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Roman building used for public administration: In ancient Rome, a "basilica" was a large, rectangular public hall with a central nave and side aisles, used for legal proceedings, commerce, and other civic functions.
   • An early Christian church designed like a Roman basilica: Following the Roman architectural model, an early Christian "basilica" is a church with a long nave, side aisles separated by columns, and an apse at one end.
   • A Roman Catholic church or cathedral accorded certain privileges: In modern Roman Catholic usage, a "basilica" is a title of honor bestowed by the Pope upon a church, recognizing its historical, architectural, or spiritual importance, which grants it specific ceremonial rights.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine in the Roman Forum is one of the most impressive ancient Roman basilicas.
  • The early Christian basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome retains its original architectural form.
  • St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is one of the most famous churches in the world.

Advanced Usage

• "Minor Basilica": A church granted the title of basilica by the Pope, but not one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome.
  • The church in his hometown was designated a minor basilica last year.
• "Major Basilica": One of the four highest-ranking Roman Catholic churches in Rome (St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls).
  • Pilgrims often visit all four major basilicas.

Variants and Related Words

• Basilican (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a basilica.
  • The church features a classic basilican plan.

Synonyms

• Church: A building for public Christian worship.
• Cathedral: The principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's throne.
• Hall: A large room or building for public gatherings (closest to the ancient Roman sense).

Related Phrases

• "Raised to the rank of a basilica": The formal act of conferring the honorary title of basilica upon a church.
  • After the restoration, the historic cathedral was raised to the rank of a basilica.

Noun

1. a Roman building used for public administration
2. an early Christian church designed like a Roman basilica; or a Roman Catholic church or cathedral accorded certain privileges
   • the church was raised to the rank of basilica