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

Outside stands a statue of an infirm John Paul II leaning on his papal staff — a reminder of the pontiffs who have been treated here, and of their earthly frailty. — Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026

The Vatican said the pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus prayer from the window of the papal apartment on Sunday. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

The group formed after students went viral for holding a mock papal election in their classroom. — Darius Johnson, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Wisely, our Fathers chose a secular people-friendly format not subject to papal or evangelical or ayatollah decree. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 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