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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Related Words

• pope