Basilica

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /bəˈsɪlɪkÉ™/

Origin

From Latin basilica, from Ancient Greek basilike, from basilike stoa, "royal hall", ultimately from Ancient Greek βασιλικός (basilikos, "royal"), from βασιλεύς (basileus, "king, chief").

Full definition of basilica

Noun

1. (architecture) A Christian church building having a nave with a semicircular apse, side aisles, a narthex and a clerestory.
2. A Roman Catholic church or cathedral with basilican status.
3. (obsolete) An apartment provided in the houses of persons of importance, where assemblies were held for dispensing justice; hence, any large hall used for this purpose.