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.
The Maltese church, for its part, issued its own set of guidelines that were published in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, in another indication of Holy See approval. ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026 The prosecution and 2023 convictions against Becciu and others had been held up by the Vatican and late pope as evidence of his willingness to crack down on financial misconduct in the Holy See. Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026 His remarks were interpreted by some as a reference to how the Becciu trial had in some ways damaged the Holy See’s reputation because of its many anomalies. Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 The papal apartments are in the heart of the Apostolic Palace, which houses the Sistine Chapel, the Apostolic Library and the Secretary of State, the central hub of the Holy See's administration. CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Holy See

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Holy See was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holy See.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20See. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on Holy See

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster