pontiff

noun

pon·tiff ˈpän-təf

: pontifex

: bishop

specifically, often Pontiff : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff 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.

Luigi Carbone, Pope Leo XIV's physician, said the pontiff's recovery from lung cancer surgery won't stop plans for a visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru involving a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. — Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 The pontiff was diagnosed with the common cancer of lung adenocarcinoma, and doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung during a procedure that lasted about 90 minutes. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 Leo, a Chicago native and the first American pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected the church's 267th pontiff in May 2025. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 The pontiff awoke normally and returned to his hospital room following a brief observation period, Vatican News reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pontiff

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of pontiff was in 1552

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Browse Nearby Words

pontifex

pontiff

pontific

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Pontiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontiff. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pontiff

noun

pon·tiff ˈpänt-əf

: bishop sense 1

especially, often capitalized : pope

pontifical

pän-ˈtif-i-kəl

adjective

pontiff

noun

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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