episcopate

noun

epis·​co·​pate i-ˈpi-skə-pət 

-ˌpāt

1

: the rank or office of or term of as a bishop

2

: diocese

3

: the body of bishops (as in a country)

Examples of episcopate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

The selection of Bishop McElroy, whose diocese has never been led by a cardinal, sends a message about the pope’s wish for a more liberal orientation for the U.S. episcopate. —Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, 29 May 2022

The Curia is also seriously underfunded and understaffed for the duties it is supposed to carry out, including the selection, vetting, appointment, and supervision of an episcopate that today consists of more than 5,000 Catholic bishops around the world. —Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for episcopate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

episcopate

noun

epis·​co·​pate i-ˈpis-kə-pət 

1

: the rank or office of or term of office of as a bishop

2

: the whole body of bishops