pope

noun

ˈpōp 

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

God chooses the pope, not cardinals, my barista says. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

The service marked the first time a British monarch has prayed with a pope in public since the Reformation in the 16th Century. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

Queen Camilla’s monochrome attire and choice of mantilla fall under papal protocol, requiring women who meet with the pope to wear black and a veil, symbolizing respect and modesty. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Although Charles has met the last three popes, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI travelled to Britain, their previous encounters never included joint prayers. —Joshua McElwee, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for pope

• cope
• dope
• grope
• lope
• mope
• nope
• rope
• scope
• shope
• slope
• soap
• stope

Kids Definition

pope

noun

ˈpōp 

often capitalized

: the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Biographical Definition

Pope 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈpōp 

Alexander 1688–1744 English poet

Popian adjective

or less commonly Popean

ˈpō-pē-ən 

Pope

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

John 1822–1892 American general