papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church
also : resembling a pope or that of a pope
papally adverb

Examples of papal 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.
How to Watch It: Prime Video. Conclave Photo: Focus Features The Awards Chatter: This papal drama has been everywhere in the awards-season chatter and is on its way to a likely Best Picture nod. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 The acclaimed drama stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal who uncovers secrets and scandals at the Vatican while organizing a papal conclave to elect the next pope. Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Jan. 2025 The blockbuster musical Wicked and papal thriller Conclave each scored 11 nominations to lead the film nominees for the 30th annual Critics Choice Awards. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 It’s based on the true story of a Jewish child in 1850s Italy who was secretly baptized by a chambermaid and then abducted by the papal police and raised Catholic. Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for papal 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin papalis, from Late Latin papa

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near papal

Cite this Entry

“Papal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

papal

adjective
pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to the pope or the papacy
papally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on papal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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