pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf 

1

: pontifex

2

: bishop

specifically, often Pontiff : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The White Sox got a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, prior to the game and got to work immediately to show off for the pontiff. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

On the papal plane, the American pontiff responded to Trump’s White House media ban, which includes CNN and other outlets. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

The 71-year-old pontiff's sporting interests extend to tennis, too. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

In the video, McConaughey and Alves were greeted by Pope Leo as the pontiff made his way through the church to speak with attendees. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

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