noun
basilica
buh-SIH-lih-kuh
noun
1
A large, important church building, often granted special ceremonial status by the Pope.
"St Peter's Basilica in Rome draws millions of visitors each year."
2
A long rectangular hall used in ancient Rome for public business, courts, or gatherings.
"The ruins of the old Roman basilica still stand in the forum."
How to Use Basilica
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA grand church, or (originally) a large Roman public hall.
Common pairings
Roman basilica
St Peter's Basilica
Word Forms
basilicas plural, basilicae plural
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St Peter's _____ in Rome draws millions of visitors each year.
Etymology
From Latin basilica, from Greek basilike (stoa), "royal (hall)," from basileus, "king."