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Definition of basilica

basilica

/bəˈzɪl.ɪ.kə/
ba · sil · i · ca
Plural:basilicas
•
Adjective:basilican
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basilica Lexical Profile

basilica Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A Roman Catholic church that has been accorded special ceremonial privileges and honorific status by the Pope, or an early Christian church built on a rectangular plan with a central nave, side aisles, and a semicircular apse.

Example

"Pilgrims gathered inside the historic basilica to admire its intricate mosaics and soaring vaulted ceiling."

2

In ancient Rome, a large oblong public building with double colonnades and a semicircular apse, used as a hall of justice and a center for public administration and commerce.

Example

"In the Roman forum, merchants and magistrates conducted daily legal and civic business inside the grand basilica."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for basilica

• Rhymes for basilica

• Nearby Words

basic
basically
basil
basilica
basilisk
basin
basinlike

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin 'basilica', from Ancient Greek 'basilikē (stoa)' meaning 'royal (portico)', derived from 'basileus' ('king'). Originally referring to Roman public court buildings, the architectural style was later adopted for early Christian churches.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Basilica. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/basilica
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