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 The pope has had a number of health issues in recent years, including having a piece of his colon removed in 2021 due to intestinal inflammation. Anders Hagstrom, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2024 In April, the pope spent three days at Gemelli Hospital for what the Vatican said was bronchitis. Henry Austin, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 Or When Oprah conducted a sit-down, the pope of pop culture working it all out with them in a chat watched by millions? Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 The Catholic church bars women from becoming popes. Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 Over eight days during Carnival season, the pope organized races between members of the same animal species, like buffaloes and donkeys, as well as assorted groups of people, such as children and the elderly. Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 The pope’s statement was part of a 45-minute wide-ranging speech delivered Monday to nearly 200 ambassadors from nations holding diplomatic relations with the Vatican. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024 When asked to produce an image of a pope, the system showed only people of ethnicities other than white. David Gilbert, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2024 Terri’s situation ignited a cultural and legislative debate over end-of-life issues, from the press to the pope. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pope.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near pope

Cite this Entry

“Pope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pope. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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