archbishop

noun

arch·​bish·​op (ˌ)ärch-ˈbi-shəp How to pronounce archbishop (audio)
Synonyms of archbishopnext
: 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
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 archbishop, who serves the country’s largest Catholic community, also encouraged attendees to remember the three pillars of the Lenten season — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — by prayer, living with less and giving more, and attending to the needs of others. Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 Were Tutu alive today, the archbishop wouldn’t lend any credence to Trump’s claims, Pollard believes. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026 The construction of the Duomo began in 1386, under the rule of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, then lord of Milan, in collaboration with the city’s archbishop. ABC News, 15 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, the archbishop attends to his duties and the mayor attends to his. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for archbishop

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of archbishop was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archbishop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archbishop. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

archbishop

noun
arch·​bish·​op (ˈ)ärch-ˈbish-əp How to pronounce archbishop (audio)
: the bishop of highest rank in a group of dioceses
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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