basilica
noun
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From their noun basileus, meaning “king,” the Greeks derived the adjective basilikos meaning “royal.” In ancient Thera there was a public building called “Basilike stoa,” or Royal portico, and it may have been the prototype of later Roman basilicas. The first of these was built in 184 ce, and by the time of Augustus, there were five basilicas in the vicinity of the forum. They were used for public assembly, transacting business, and judicial proceedings. When the first Christian churches were built, they were often modeled after the civil basilicas.
Examples of basilica in a Sentence
Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Given the centuries of rampant development in London, the chances that the basilica or forum were well preserved were slim.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
Image The remains of the basilica are hardly the first significant archaeological discovery in London.
—Claire Moses, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
The altar is located just under the basilica’s famous stone canopy, designed by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which was recently restored.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basilica
Cite this Entry
“Basilica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basilica. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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