st. paul's: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Historical, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “st. paul's” mean?
A famous cathedral in London dedicated to Saint Paul, one of the most prominent and historically significant churches in the United Kingdom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A famous cathedral in London dedicated to Saint Paul, one of the most prominent and historically significant churches in the United Kingdom.
Can refer to the cathedral, its surrounding area in London (the City of London), or, in other contexts, to other institutions or locations named after Saint Paul (e.g., St. Paul's School).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it is a major national landmark and cultural reference point. In the US, it is generally known as a famous London tourist attraction, with less cultural weight.
Connotations
UK: History, resilience (surviving the Blitz), national identity, Anglican Church. US: Tourism, London history, architecture.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK English due to local and national relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “st. paul's” in a Sentence
[Preposition] + St. Paul's (e.g., at, near, from, to)St. Paul's + [Noun] (e.g., Cathedral, School, area)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “st. paul's” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The St. Paul's area is bustling.
- It was a St. Paul's-style dome.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Our London offices are located in the shadow of St. Paul's.
Academic
Wren's design for St. Paul's represents a pivotal moment in English Baroque architecture.
Everyday
We're meeting at the steps of St. Paul's at noon.
Technical
The Whispering Gallery in St. Paul's demonstrates a fascinating acoustic phenomenon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “st. paul's”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “st. paul's”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “st. paul's”
- Writing 'St. Paul' without the 's' when referring to the cathedral.
- Pronouncing 'St.' as 'Street' instead of 'Saint'.
- Using 'the' unnecessarily before the name (e.g., 'the St. Paul's Cathedral').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'St. Paul's' is the common shortened form, while 'St. Paul's Cathedral' is the full, formal name.
It is dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. The cathedral has been on the site, dedicated to him, since AD 604.
Yes, it is open to the public for sightseeing, services, and concerts, though an admission fee is charged for tourists.
It is a circular walkway inside the dome of St. Paul's known for its acoustics—a whisper against the wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side.
A famous cathedral in London dedicated to Saint Paul, one of the most prominent and historically significant churches in the United Kingdom.
St. paul's is usually formal, historical, geographical in register.
St. paul's: in British English it is pronounced /sənt ˈpɔːlz/, and in American English it is pronounced /seɪnt ˈpɔːlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"A bird's-eye view from St. Paul's" (meaning a comprehensive overview)”
- “"As old as St. Paul's" (meaning very old, but not literally)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the famous 'PAUL' who wrote letters in the Bible. This is his 'S' cathedral — Saint Paul's.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEACON OF RESILIENCE (having survived the Great Fire and the Blitz).
Practice
Quiz
What is St. Paul's most famous for?