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

As the College of Cardinals meets at the Vatican in the coming weeks to elect Francis’ successor, Gomez, a mere archbishop, will stay home. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Growing up in that parish, Martinez experienced devotions and ritual on a grand scale, with elaborate ceremonies conducted by bishops, archbishops and cardinals. —Ellen Skerrett, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025

Naturally, the archbishop had no choice but to excommunicate her. —ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025

The archbishop died in 1333, four years before Forde's murder, so Ela was clearly a formidable person with the patience and discipline to serve her revenge dish cold. —ArsTechnica, 6 June 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