pontiff

American  

[pon-tif] / ˈpɒn tɪf /

noun

1. any pontifex.

2. any high or chief priest.

3. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a bishop.

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

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pontiff British  

/ 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

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pontiff Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of pontiff

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

Example Sentences

"Turkey has an important role to play in this process," the pontiff added.

From Barron's

The US pontiff is currently visiting Turkey as part of his first trip abroad as leader of the Catholic Church.

From Barron's

The hope is that the pontiff can help break the logjam.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a chance for him to set out his spiritual and geopolitical vision after six months as pontiff, notable for its relative quiet after years of turbulence in the Catholic Church.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since being made pope in May, the Chicago-born pontiff -- who spent about 20 years as a missionary in Peru -- has urged more pressure on governments to stop climate change.

From Barron's

Related Words

• pope