pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf 

1

: pontifex

2

: bishop

specifically, often capitalized : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 88-year-old pontiff has shown some improvement, the Vatican reported, but doctors caution that recovery may take time. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

In November 2023, the pontiff underwent a CT scan of his lungs due to flu-like symptoms, Vatican News reported. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

The statement said the 88-year-old pontiff was in a good mood and received the Eucharist earlier Tuesday morning. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2025

Despite this, the pontiff has kept in touch from his hospital bed with a parish in the Gaza Strip. —Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf 

: bishop sense 1

especially, often capitalized : pope

pontifical

pän-ˈtif-i-kəl

adjective