bishop

noun

bish·op | \ ˈbi-shəp

How to pronounce bishop (audio)

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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

How to pronounce Bishop (audio)

\

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

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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

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 The State Department urged the Nicaraguan government on Thursday to resume peaceful negotiations with the opposition, moderated by Nicaragua’s Catholic bishops. — Catie Edmondson, New York Times, "U.S. Imposes Sanctions on 3 Top Nicaraguan Officials After Violent Crackdown," 5 July 2018 Such a visit by so many high-level bishops to the border is very unusual. — Daniel Blue Tyx, Washington Post, "U.S. Catholic bishops to minister to children in border detention centers," 2 July 2018 Hoping to end the turmoil Mr Ortega agreed to participate in talks with his foes, mediated by Catholic bishops. — The Economist, "Time is running out for Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega," 9 June 2018 Cruz was interviewed by the two bishops in February at the Church of the Holy Name Jesus in New York. — Kristin E. Holmes, Philly.com, "The Philly man who survived sexual abuse by a priest, and the pope who asked for his forgiveness," 25 May 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.

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3 Apr 2019

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Time Traveler for bishop

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

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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

\

Kids Definition of bishop

1 : a member of the clergy of high rank

2 : a piece in the game of chess

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