papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl 

: of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church

also : resembling a pope or that of a pope

papally

ˈpā-pə-lē 

adverb

Examples of papal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The story unfolds amid the frenzy surrounding an impending papal visit. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 June 2026

In 1988 the group ordained four bishops without papal approval, which led to their excommunication. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026

From the diocese’s original founding papal documents to OC Fair buttons, guests can walk through various tables and rooms to view over 200 items on display. — Lillian Ashworth, Oc Register, 18 June 2026

Not city officials or the Georgia Department of Transportation, but a mixture of FIFA, broadcasters and maybe the papal conclave. — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin papalis, from Late Latin papa

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing papal

• anti-papal
• papal cross
• papal decree
• papal infallibility

Rhymes for papal

• maple
• staple

Kids Definition

papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl 

: of or relating to the pope or the papacy

papally

-pə-lē 

adverb