Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

cardinal

[kahr-dn-l] / ˈkɑr dn l /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her crime, she believes, is “the cardinal scientific sin of anthropomorphizing trees by using the metaphor of the mother tree.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Freedom of circulation is a cardinal principle of maritime law.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

It said the cardinal "distances himself from Monsignor Micheletti's statements and expresses his disappointment over what happened" and stated its "commitment to the protection of its artistic and spiritual heritage" against misuse or exploitation.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

The cardinal sin of “The Last Days” is that it doesn’t choose a storyline.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

There was a cardinal bird that came all the time.

From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen




Vocabulary lists containing cardinal


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "cardinal" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com