pope

noun

1
often capitalized : a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church
2
: one that resembles a pope (as in authority)
3
a
: the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria
b
: a priest of an Eastern church

Examples of pope in a Sentence

The cardinals elected a new pope.
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.
Indeed, the last pope with origins in Africa was Pope Gelasius I, who reigned from 492 to 496 A.D. Darryl Barthé, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 In the Roman Catholic Church, popes have shown openness to evolution while insisting that the human soul is a divine creation. Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 The first pope from the United States responded to Gualtieri's remarks, affirming his commitment as bishop of Rome. Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 25 May 2025 Lastly, and most importantly to us, Protestants long for a pope with the ecumenical heart of Pope John XXIII. Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pope

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pāpa, from Late Latin papa, from Greek pappas, papas, title of bishops, literally, papa

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pope was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pope. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pope

noun
often capitalized
: the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Biographical Definition

Pope 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Alexander 1688–1744 English poet
Popian adjective
or less commonly Popean

Pope

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

John 1822–1892 American general

More from Merriam-Webster on pope

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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