pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
1
2
: bishop
specifically, often capitalized : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

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.
Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from the Americas, has traveled widely around the Mediterranean since becoming pontiff in 2013, visiting Malta, the Greek island of Lesbos, and the Italian island of Lampedusa. Reuters, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 When the supreme pontiff — the head of the Catholic Church — dies, cardinals from all over the world gather in Vatican City to vote for a new pope from among their elite group. Eric Andersson, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Benitez’s election as pope amid the downfall of his brethren reflects the reality of human complexity — there could never have been a candidate for supreme pontiff without flaws. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 Instead, the pontiff is making a landmark visit during the subsequent weekend to the French island of Corsica. Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pontiff 

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pontiff was in 1552

Dictionary Entries Near pontiff

Cite this Entry

“Pontiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontiff. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun
pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
: bishop sense 1
especially, often capitalized : pope
pontifical
pän-ˈtif-i-kəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pontiff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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