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Definition of pontiff

pontiff

/ˈpɑːn.tɪf/
pon · tiff
Adverb:pontifically
•
Plural:pontiffs
•
Adjective:pontifical
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pontiff Lexical Profile

pontiff Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The Pope, who serves as the Bishop of Rome and the supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Example

"Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to hear the pontiff deliver his annual Easter blessing."

2

Any high-ranking bishop, prelate, or chief priest, especially a member of the principal college of priests in ancient Rome.

Example

"In ancient Rome, the chief pontiff oversaw the state religion and regulated the official calendar."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pontiff

• Nearby Words

ponkan
ponnaiyar
pontederia
pontiff
pontifical
pontificate
pontification

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Middle French 'pontife' from Latin 'pontifex' (meaning "high priest"), literally translating to "bridge-maker" from 'pons' ("bridge") and 'facere' ("to make"). In ancient Rome, the members of the highest priestly college were likely tasked with maintaining the sacred Sublician Bridge over the Tiber or symbolically bridging the human and divine realms.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pontiff. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pontiff
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