Holy See

noun

Christianity
: the see (see see entry 2 sense 1a) of the pope : the government of the Roman Catholic Church

Examples of Holy See 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.
According to a Holy See Press Office statement, several members of Gemelli’s medical and nursing staff and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps attended the service. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Rudelli handles much of the day-to-day administrative work of the Holy See. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The camerlengo helps oversee the Holy See's administration and finances during this period, but notably does not assume the Pope's authority or become an acting Pontiff during hospitalization. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 Macron met Leo at the Vatican in April to discuss relations with the Holy See, international affairs, peace, and interreligious dialogue, according to his office. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Holy See

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Holy See was in the 15th century

Rhymes for Holy See

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Browse Nearby Words

Holy Scriptures
Holy See
holy smoke
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Cite this Entry

“Holy See.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20See. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Holy See

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Holy See

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