pope

noun

ˈpōp 

1

often Pope : a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church

2

: one that resembles a pope (as in authority)

3

a

: the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria

b

: a priest of an Eastern church

Examples of pope in a Sentence

The cardinals elected a new pope.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a trailer for a new documentary about the his years in Rome, Leone a Roma, eagle-eyed sneaker enthusiasts were able to spot the pope's unconventional footwear choice. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s visit will be the first time a pope has hosted a Chicago mayor in over a decade, since Pope Francis held a 2016 ceremony attended by Mayor Rahm Emanuel for the elevation of Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich to cardinal. —Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

The mayor's office said Johnson will travel to Rome and Vatican City from May 26 to May 30, but did not specify when he is set to meet with the pope. —Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 13 May 2026

Showbiz veteran Sal Da Vinci is the son of Neapolitan vocal legend Mario, has performed for the pope, and even co-hosts a Food Network show titled Pazzi di Pizza. —Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pāpa, from Late Latin papa, from Greek pappas, papas, title of bishops, literally, papa

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pope

• cope
• dope
• grope
• lope
• mope
• nope
• rope
• scope
• shope
• slope
• soap
• stope

Kids Definition

pope

noun

ˈpōp 

often capitalized

: the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Biographical Definition

Pope 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈpōp 

Alexander 1688–1744 English poet

Popian

ˈpō-pē-ən 

adjective

or less commonly Popean

Pope

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

John 1822–1892 American general