pontiff

[pon-tif]

noun

1. any pontifex.

2. any high or chief priest.

3. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a bishop.

   2. the Roman Catholic pope, the Bishop of Rome.

pontiff

/ ˈpɒntɪf /

noun

1. a former title of the pagan high priest at Rome, later used of popes and occasionally of other bishops, and now confined exclusively to the pope

pontiff

1. Another name for the pope. Pontiff comes from a Latin word, meaning “bridge builder,” that was used as a title for some of the priests of ancient Rome.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

1600–10; earlier pontife < French, short for Latin pontifex pontifex

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

C17: from French pontife, from Latin _pontifex

Example Sentences

Reiterating the words of his predecessor Pope Francis, the new pontiff lambasted critics who "ridicule those who speak of global warming".

From BBC

A previous official visit to the Vatican was postponed earlier this year because of the poor health of the pontiff's predecessor, Pope Francis.

From BBC

When Pope John Paul II wanted to warn President Reagan of the danger of nuclear weapons, Baltimore was one of four scientists the pontiff appointed to carry his message.

From Los Angeles Times

The American pontiff has also not commented on his predecessor's 2023 decree.

From BBC

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, has Creole roots.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pope