Most Reverend

American

noun

the official form of address for cardinals, heads of religious orders, and certain prelates, as archbishops and bishops.

Most Reverend British

noun

(in Britain) a courtesy title applied to Anglican and Roman Catholic archbishops

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Afterwards four bishops - including the Primus, the Most Reverend Mark Strange - asked Bishop Dyer to consider if she was still the right person to lead the diocese.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

The Most Reverend Andrew John offered his "most heartfelt apology to any members of the cathedral community who have been hurt or who feel I have let them down".

From BBC • May 9, 2025

The Most Reverend Larry Silva, the Catholic bishop of Honolulu, said many offered resources to those affected by the wildfires.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2023

The archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky, the Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, was named temporary administrator to run the diocese until a new bishop is installed.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2023

"Humility is not one of your ecclesiastical virtues, Most Reverend."

From The Waters of Edera by Ouida

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023