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.
Heading into the evening, the splashy screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked had tied the papal succession drama Conclave for the most nominations in the film categories, with 11 apiece. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025 The papal bull proclaiming the Jubilee urges peacemaking, a spirit of welcome toward migrants, and openness toward having children. Timothy Gabrielli, The Conversation, 29 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the historical epic The Brutalist and musical Wicked were nominated for 10 Oscars each, while the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and papal thriller Conclave were next with eight nominations each. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The first signed bottle, a 10-year-aged bourbon with a proof of 132.6, is one of 149 of its kind and displays the papal coat of arms in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' election. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 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 21 Feb. 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

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