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

Outside stands a statue of an infirm John Paul II leaning on his papal staff — a reminder of the pontiffs who have been treated here, and of their earthly frailty. — Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026

The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

According to the Holy See Press Office, doctors removed the lower lobe of the pontiff's right lung during a procedure that lasted approximately 90 minutes. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The pontiff also met with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, undersecretary of state, on Thursday, the Vatican said. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 15 Oct. 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