Holy Father
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of Holy Father
late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a March 1 tweet, the Holy Father put it this way:
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
The Holy Father specifically highlighted the suffering of civilians in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to violence and renewed efforts toward peace.
From Salon • Dec. 25, 2025
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell’s statement released by the Vatican read.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2025
He added: "We're praying for the Holy Father that he is returned to full health."
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2025
He always made sure his kids never got into trouble, was concerned about money, and trusted the providence of the Holy Father to do the rest.
From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.