archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˌ)ärch-ˈbi-shəp 

: a bishop at the head of an ecclesiastical province or one of equivalent honorary rank

Examples of archbishop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new archbishop succeeds Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who last month turned 80 and is past retirement age. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025

New York's new archbishop was first an affable Chicagoan, and those who knew him during his life in the south suburbs are not surprised by Pope Leo XIV's decision to elevate him. —Noel Brennan, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

That said, this is mitigated by the gift that this new archbishop already is. —Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025

Here’s what to know about the outgoing and incoming archbishops of New York. —Connor Greene, Time, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English arcebiscop, from Late Latin archiepiscopus, from Late Greek archiepiskopos, from archi- + episkopos bishop — more at bishop

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-əp 

: the bishop of highest rank in a group of dioceses