pope

noun

ˈpōp How to pronounce pope (audio)
Synonyms of popenext
1
often Pope : a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church
2
: one that resembles a pope (as in authority)
3
a
: the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria
b
: a priest of an Eastern church

Examples of pope in a Sentence

The cardinals elected a new pope.
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.
Former popes have apologized for Christians’ involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 In the Catholic Church, the appointment of new bishops is the responsibility of the pope. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 July 2026 After Leo’s election many experts looked to Cupich’s ministry for clues to how the new American pope would shepherd the global church. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026 At a private ceremony at the Vatican in April, Stango presented the pope with the medal in person. — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pope

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English pāpa, from Late Latin papa, from Greek pappas, papas, title of bishops, literally, papa

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pope was before the 12th century

Rhymes for pope

See All Rhymes for pope

Browse Nearby Words

popdock
pope
Pope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pope. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pope

noun
ˈpōp How to pronounce pope (audio)
often capitalized
: the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Biographical Definition

Pope 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

ˈpōp How to pronounce Pope (audio)
Alexander 1688–1744 English poet
Popian
ˈpō-pē-ən How to pronounce Pope (audio)
adjective
or less commonly Popean

Pope

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

John 1822–1892 American general

More from Merriam-Webster on pope

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pope

Nglish: Translation of pope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pope

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