archbishop

[ahrch-bish-uhp]

noun

1. a bishop of the highest rank who presides over an archbishopric or archdiocese.

archbishop

/ ˈɑːtʃˈbɪʃəp /

noun

1. Abbreviation: abp.  Abp.  Arch.  Archbp. a bishop of the highest rank

Word History and Origins

Origin of archbishop¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English arcebisceop ( arce- arch- ¹ + bisceop bishop ), modeled on Late Latin archiepiscopus < Greek archiepískopos; replacing Old English hēahbisceop ( high )

Example Sentences

The archbishop said at the time that he regretted his handling of the case.

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"The new archbishop needs to address peace on the continent. Women and children are suffering, and she needs to work for peace and reconciliation."

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In line with tradition, the process of choosing a new archbishop involves a name being given to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and then passed to the monarch.

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Cebu's archbishop has told devotees to stay away from churches, pending structural assessments.

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There was no suggestion the then archbishop behaved inappropriately.

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Related Words

• bishop 
• chaplain 
• cleric 
• evangelist 
• missionary 
• pastor 
• pontiff 
• preacher 
• priest 
• rabbi