papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church
also : resembling a pope or that of a pope
papally adverb

Examples of papal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The papal flag was positioned in the entryway to the campus center, the flagpole placed on the school's logo. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 10 May 2025 The 69-year-old member of the Augustinian religious order chose the papal name Leo XIV. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 After the Roman Catholic leader ascended to peak papal position earlier this week, his sibling, Illinois resident John Prevost, revealed what the pope did immediately before Thursday's election following his predecessor Pope Francis' death in April. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 9 May 2025 Well, this week's main character is related to Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on the second day of voting during the papal conclave. Ashley Brown, NPR, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for papal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of papal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papal. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

papal

adjective
pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to the pope or the papacy
papally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on papal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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