pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
1
2
: bishop
specifically, often Pontiff : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff 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 singer has also spent a considerable amount of time in Rome, Italy, and was even seen waiting with legions of Catholics when Pope Leo XIV was elected the new pontiff. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026 But the late pontiff also did not hold many formal meetings with the College of Cardinals, something which cardinals said a future pope should change during meetings held before the last conclave. Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026 In the cover image, Saldaña, Perego, and their sons greeted the pontiff. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026 The pontiff's comments follow the U.S. attacks on Venezuela and seizure of the country’s President Nicolas Maduro, along with President Donald Trump’s ensuing threats against countries including Colombia, Iran, and Mexico and the territory of Greenland. Connor Greene, Time, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pontiff

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pontiff was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pontiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontiff. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun
pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
: bishop sense 1
especially, often capitalized : pope
pontifical
pän-ˈtif-i-kəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pontiff

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