Definition

1. Noun:

   • The principal Christian church building of a bishop's diocese: A cathedral is the main church in a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne (cathedra). It is the central church for a bishop's administration and religious ceremonies.
   • Any large and important church: Informally, the term can be used to describe any very large, impressive, or historically significant church building, even if it is not a bishop's seat.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to or containing or issuing from a bishop's office or throne: This describes something that is connected to the authority, seat, or official functions of a bishop, most commonly used in the phrase "cathedral church."

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We visited the magnificent Gothic cathedral in the city center.
  • The bishop gave his sermon from the pulpit of the cathedral.
  • St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous landmarks.

• Adjective:

  • The cathedral chapter met to discuss diocesan affairs. (Here, "cathedral" modifies "chapter," meaning the governing body of the cathedral.)
  • The document was sealed with the cathedral authority.

Advanced Usage

• "Cathedral thinking": A metaphorical phrase describing long-term, ambitious planning and vision, inspired by the generations-long effort required to build a great cathedral.

  • Addressing climate change requires cathedral thinking that spans decades.

• "Cathedral of learning": A term sometimes used to poetically describe a major university or library, emphasizing its grandeur and role in education.

  • The old library was a cathedral of learning for generations of students.

Variants and Related Words

• Cathedra (n): The official throne of a bishop in a cathedral, symbolizing their teaching authority.
• See (n): The district or jurisdiction of a bishop, centered on a cathedral city.
• Minster (n): A title often used for certain large or important churches, some of which are cathedrals (e.g., York Minster).
• Basilica (n): A church granted special ceremonial privileges by the Pope; a major basilica may be a cathedral, but the terms are not synonymous.

Synonyms

• Principal church
• Mother church (of a diocese)
• See (in the sense of the bishop's seat)
• Minster (in some contexts)
• Duomo (Italian term for a cathedral)

Related Phrases

• Cathedral close: The precinct or enclosed area surrounding a cathedral, often containing houses for clergy and other buildings.

  • She lived in a cottage on the cathedral close.

• Cathedral city: A city that contains a cathedral, often (but not always) a historical center of administration.

  • Canterbury is a famous cathedral city in England.

Adjective

1. relating to or containing or issuing from a bishop's office or throne
   • a cathedral church

Noun

1. the principal Christian church building of a bishop's diocese
2. any large and important church