pope

noun

ˈpōp 

1

often Pope : a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church

2

: one that resembles a pope (as in authority)

3

a

: the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria

b

: a priest of an Eastern church

Examples of pope in a Sentence

The cardinals elected a new pope.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the technology might be new, the principles guiding the pope’s perspectives have deep roots. — Walter Scheirer, The Conversation, 31 July 2026

This came after the pope spoke out against the US military intervention in Iran. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Together with the nearby Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, the estate has served as the popes’ summer retreat for centuries — a tradition Pope Leo XIV is continuing. — Daniela Suarez, NBC news, 29 July 2026

On March 19, 1452, Frederick became the last emperor to be crowned in Rome by a pope. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pāpa, from Late Latin papa, from Greek pappas, papas, title of bishops, literally, papa

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pope

• cope
• dope
• grope
• lope
• mope
• nope
• rope
• scope
• shope
• slope
• soap
• stope

Kids Definition

pope

noun

ˈpōp 

often capitalized

: the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Biographical Definition

Pope 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈpōp 

Alexander 1688–1744 English poet

Popian

ˈpō-pē-ən 

adjective

or less commonly Popean

Pope

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

John 1822–1892 American general