pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf 

1

: pontifex

2

: bishop

specifically, often Pontiff : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the papal plane, the American pontiff responded to Trump’s White House media ban, which includes CNN and other outlets. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

The 71-year-old pontiff's sporting interests extend to tennis, too. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Most of the 1-hour, 10-minute conversation was an amiable chat about faith, Vance’s own spiritual journey, his Easter meeting with Pope Francis the day before the pontiff’s death last year, and human frailty and fallibility. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

In the video, McConaughey and Alves were greeted by Pope Leo as the pontiff made his way through the church to speak with attendees. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf 

: bishop sense 1

especially, often capitalized : pope

pontifical

pän-ˈtif-i-kəl

adjective