pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf 

1

: pontifex

2

: bishop

specifically, often Pontiff : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier this year, Leo made history by becoming the first pontiff to publicly acknowledge and apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

It has been renamed the Pope Francis Pier in honor of a visit the late pontiff made here in 2013. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026

So far the leader in the clubhouse is someone who suggested Mike Vasil send his magic wand to the pontiff. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Many migrants gathered on Saturday to hear the pontiff, who also called on European leaders to improve conditions in the countries immigrants come from to reduce migration. — Connor Greene, Time, 4 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf 

: bishop sense 1

especially, often capitalized : pope

pontifical

pän-ˈtif-i-kəl

adjective