pontiff

[ pon-tif ]

noun

1. any pontifex.
2. any high or chief priest.
3. Ecclesiastical.
   1. a bishop.
   2. the Roman Catholic pope, the Bishop of Rome.

pontiff

/ ˈpɒntɪf /

noun

1. a former title of the pagan high priest at Rome, later used of popes and occasionally of other bishops, and now confined exclusively to the pope

pontiff

1. Another name for the pope . Pontiff comes from a Latin word, meaning “bridge builder,” that was used as a title for some of the priests of ancient Rome .

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

1600–10; earlier pontife < French, short for Latin pontifex pontifex

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontiff¹

C17: from French pontife, from Latin pontifex

Example Sentences

The pontiff said not welcoming migrants - seemingly referring to Trump - is a "grave" sin, and compared Kamala Harris's stance on abortion to an "assassination".

From BBC

He says the crowd roared as the pontiff made a lap of the venue in the popemobile, undeterred by the rain.

From BBC

The pontiff also used his speech to praise Timor-Leste - formerly known as East Timor - for its new era of "peace and freedom", more than two decades after it achieved independence from neighbouring Indonesia.

From BBC

Enthusiasm for the pontiff's visit is huge, but the Pope is being urged by campaigners to address a recent abuse scandal that tarnished the Church in Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor.

From BBC

Enthusiasm for the pontiff's upcoming visit is huge, but the Pope is being urged by campaigners to address a recent abuse scandal that tarnished the Church in the country.

From BBC

Related Words

• pope