archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˌ)ärch-ˈbi-shəp How to pronounce archbishop (audio)
: a bishop at the head of an ecclesiastical province or one of equivalent honorary rank

Examples of archbishop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web View More Kirill was on his way to meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the archbishop of Constantinople and the most senior figure in the Orthodox Christian world. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2024 The objections of Cardinal Dennis Joseph Dougherty, the no-nonsense archbishop of Philadelphia, finally forced MGM to surrender. Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Bradley plays an archbishop who’s a mentor to the ex-priest. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Feb. 2024 The archbishop of Canterbury officiated in a majestic ceremony before 2,000 guests in Westminster Abbey and a worldwide television audience. Bill McGraw, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2024 The new archbishop would become Milwaukee's 12th prelate, overseeing a 10-county archdiocese in southeast Wisconsin with 187 parishes and 101 schools. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 In the Latin text, three archbishops and 15 bishops guarantee the efficacy of the indulgence. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024 As is the case for leaders of the Catholic Church nationwide, the next archbishop's plate would be full. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 The bishops and archbishops appointed by John Paul and his successor, Benedict XVI, took on the role of traditionalist culture warriors. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'archbishop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English arcebiscop, from Late Latin archiepiscopus, from Late Greek archiepiskopos, from archi- + episkopos bishop — more at bishop

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of archbishop was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near archbishop

Cite this Entry

“Archbishop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archbishop. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

archbishop

noun
arch·​bish·​op (ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-əp How to pronounce archbishop (audio)
: the bishop of highest rank in a group of dioceses
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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