bishop

noun

bish·op | \ ˈbi-shəp

Definition of bishop

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : one having spiritual or ecclesiastical supervision: such as

a : an Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Roman Catholic clergyman ranking above a priest, having authority to ordain and confirm, and typically governing a diocese

b : any of various Protestant clerical officials who superintend other clergy

c : a Mormon high priest presiding over a ward or over all other bishops and over the Aaronic priesthood

2 : either of two pieces of each color in a set of chessmen having the power to move diagonally across any number of adjoining unoccupied squares

3 : mulled port wine flavored with oranges and cloves

Bishop

biographical name (1)

Bish·op | \ ˈbi-shəp

Definition of Bishop (Entry 2 of 3)

Elizabeth 1911–1979 American poet

Bishop

biographical name (2)

Definition of Bishop (Entry 3 of 3)

John Michael 1936– American microbiologist

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about bishop

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

The Old English word bisceop, from which we get our English word bishop, comes from the Latin word episcopus. Like many other Latin words connected with religion and the church, this was borrowed from Greek, the language in which the New Testament was written. The Greek word episkopos, meaning “overseer,” was first used for officials in government, and later came to be used for church leaders. In the Bible, bishop and priest were used to identify the same thing. It was much later when a bishop became overseer of a large district, or diocese.

Examples of bishop in a Sentence

Noun

the Bishop of New York

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Many Chileans are expecting that at least Barros and two other bishops will resign, if not more. — Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, "Pope’s Chile abuse summit ends amid signs heads will roll," 17 May 2018 In Italy, the national bishops’ conference decided in 2014 against requiring bishops to report abuse to civil authorities. — Drew Hinshaw, WSJ, "‘We Gave Him a Chance’: Mercy for Abusive Priests Divides Church," 22 Feb. 2019 Robinson put the couple in touch with the Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the Cathedral, as well as Washington’s Episcopal bishop, Mariann Edgar Budde, and helped make the arrangements for the ceremony. — Tara Isabella Burton, Vox, "“Welcome home, Matt”: Bishop Robinson welcomes Matthew Shepard — and gay Christians — back to the church," 26 Oct. 2018 The bishops said their approach is in line with guidance provided by Pope John Paul II. — Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express-News, "Bishops’ letter exposes rift in anti-abortion movement," 25 Feb. 2018 He was named a bishop in 1996, then the youngest in Canada. — Kristin E. Holmes, Philly.com, "The archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Philadelphia retires and goes home," 10 June 2018 Wisconsin's Catholic bishops have called on Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin not to block the nomination of Gordon Giampietro, who has been picked by President Donald Trump to become a federal district court judge in Milwaukee. — Daniel Bice, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Catholic bishops ask Tammy Baldwin not to block judicial nomination of Gordon Giampietro," 27 Feb. 2018 The investigations include reports of abuse by bishops, clerics and lay workers. — Fox News, "Pope praises Chile bishops for reflecting on their failures," 6 Aug. 2018 As for Prince Louis's christening, it will be performed by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the same bishop who christened Prince George and Princess Charlotte. — Emily Wang, Glamour, "Prince Harry Bought Prince Louis a $10,000 Christening Gift as a Tribute to Princess Diana," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bishop.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about bishop

Dictionary Entries near bishop

Statistics for bishop

Last Updated

29 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for bishop

The first known use of bishop was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for bishop

bishop

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bishop

: an official in some Christian religions who is ranked higher than a priest and who is usually in charge of church matters in a specific geographical area

: a piece in the game of chess that moves across the board at an angle

See the full definition for bishop in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bishop

noun

bish·op | \ ˈbi-shəp