archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˌ)ärch-ˈbi-shəp 

: a bishop at the head of an ecclesiastical province or one of equivalent honorary rank

Examples of archbishop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

State of play: The archbishop's replacement appointed by Pope Francis is Bishop Edward Weisenburger, 64, an Illinois native who grew up in Oklahoma. —Annalise Frank, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025

Óscar Romero, the Roman Catholic archbishop of San Salvador, preached radio sermons criticizing the government and army for violence and oppression of the poor in El Salvador during a national civil war. —Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025

In February 1980, President Carter received a letter from the archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero (no relation). —Jasmine Romero, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025

Come up with some attainable goals for the first few weeks back to help provide a clear focus and purpose. VIDEO QUIZ Pope Francis appointed a vocal critic of President-elect Donald Trump as the next archbishop of which U.S. city? —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English arcebiscop, from Late Latin archiepiscopus, from Late Greek archiepiskopos, from archi- + episkopos bishop — more at bishop

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-əp 

: the bishop of highest rank in a group of dioceses