Definition

Proper noun: * A famous Gothic church in London: Westminster Abbey is a large, historically significant Gothic church located in Westminster, London, England. It is formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster. The current church building was constructed in the 13th century and is a renowned example of Gothic architecture. * A site of national ceremony and burial: The Abbey is traditionally the location for the coronation of British monarchs and the burial site for many notable English and British figures, including monarchs, poets, scientists, and statesmen.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The King's coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey.
  • Many tourists visit Westminster Abbey to see the tombs of famous poets in Poets' Corner.
  • Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066.

Advanced Usage

• "to be buried in Westminster Abbey": This phrase signifies that a person has been honored with interment in one of the nation's most prestigious sites, reserved for individuals of the highest national importance.
  • Sir Isaac Newton was buried in Westminster Abbey.
• "a service at Westminster Abbey": Refers to a formal religious or state ceremony held within the Abbey, often of national significance.
  • A memorial service for the former Prime Minister was held at Westminster Abbey.

Variants and Related Words

• The Abbey: A common shortened, informal name for Westminster Abbey.
  • We're meeting outside the Abbey at noon.
• Westminster: The area of central London where the Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and other government buildings are located. While related, "Westminster" refers to the broader district, not the church itself.

Synonyms

• Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster: The formal, full name of Westminster Abbey.
• Royal church: A descriptive term highlighting its status and use for state ceremonies. (Note: This is a descriptive phrase, not a proper name).

Related Phrases

• Poets' Corner: A famous section within Westminster Abbey where many notable writers and poets are buried or commemorated.
  • Geoffrey Chaucer was the first poet to be buried in Poets' Corner.
• The Coronation Chair: The historic throne housed in Westminster Abbey upon which British monarchs are crowned.
  • The Stone of Scone is kept beneath the Coronation Chair.

Noun

1. a famous Gothic church of St. Peter in Westminster, London on the site of a former Benedictine monastery
   • Westminster Abbey is the scene of the coronations of almost all English monarchs
   • Distinguished English subjects are buried in Westminster Abbey