Holy See

noun

: the see of the pope

Examples of Holy See in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As of May 1, 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave, according to The Holy See's College of Cardinals Dashboard. Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025 The Holy See is the only European state that maintains diplomatic relations with Taipei, but some fear the growing ties between the Vatican and Beijing could change things. Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Francis had established the Holy See’s first pontifical commission for the protection of minors early on in his reign. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025 Francis did more during his tenure than any pope to push the Holy See to adapt modern financial practices and no longer operate in the shadows, without oversight or checks and balances. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Holy See

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Holy See was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holy See.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20See. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on Holy See

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!