pontiff

noun

pon·tiff ˈpän-təf

: pontifex

: 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.

Most of the 1-hour, 10-minute conversation was an amiable chat about faith, Vance’s own spiritual journey, his Easter meeting with Pope Francis the day before the pontiff’s death last year, and human frailty and fallibility. — Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The new pontiff, who took the name Pope John Paul I, died just over a month later. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 In the video, McConaughey and Alves were greeted by Pope Leo as the pontiff made his way through the church to speak with attendees. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 Earlier this year, Leo made history by becoming the first pontiff to publicly acknowledge and apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in slavery. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

pontifex

pontiff

pontific

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Pontiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontiff. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pontiff

noun

pon·tiff ˈpänt-əf

: bishop sense 1

especially, often capitalized : pope

pontifical

pän-ˈtif-i-kəl

adjective

pontiff

noun

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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