1
2
: the office of bishop
3
: the administrative body of a Mormon ward consisting of a bishop and two high priests as counselors

Examples of bishopric in a Sentence

He was elected to the bishopric at the turn of the century.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bishopric proceeded to commend another local lawmaker from Mitsotakis’ governing New Democracy party for voting against the law. San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Much of its portfolio is controlled by Ensign Peak Advisers, a nonprofit investment manager overseen by ecclesiastical leaders known as its presiding bishopric. CBS News, 21 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bisshopriche, from Old English bisceoprīce, from bisceop + rīce kingdom — more at rich

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bishopric was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Bishopric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bishopric. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
2
: the position of bishop
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