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

The facility has a special apartment set up for pontiffs on the 10th floor that includes a private chapel. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Leo is expected to undergo surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where Francis and popes before him were treated and where there is a special apartment for pontiffs. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

His other directing credits include Cries From Syria (2017), and Francesco, his 2020 film about the late pontiff, Pope Francis. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

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

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