Vatican

noun

Vat·​i·​can ˈva-ti-kən 

1

: the papal headquarters in Rome

2

: the papal government

Vatican adjective

Examples of Vatican in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the Vatican recently published a series of papal directives, including reforms granting broader governing powers to a nun leading Vatican City State and the scheduling of a cardinal meeting to finalize upcoming canonization dates. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Pope Francis remains in 'critical but stable' condition in hospital, Vatican says The pope received the Eucharist on Wednesday morning and the afternoon was dedicated to work activities, the Vatican said. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025

From a secure location presumably in Vatican City, Pope Crave spoke with Them over Zoom about falling in love with the prestige drama, starting a movement around it, and turning obsessive Conclave fandom into a force for good. —Samantha Allen, Them, 26 Feb. 2025

Reporters and Vatican officials nervously refresh their inboxes awaiting the twice-daily health updates. —Christopher Lamb, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin (mons) Vāticānus, hill on the west bank of the Tiber, the traditional site of the apostle Peter's tomb, on which a basilica was built in the 4th century

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Vatican

• the Vatican