papal

adjective

pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to a pope or to the Roman Catholic Church
also : resembling a pope or that of a pope
papally adverb

Examples of papal 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.
Queen Camilla’s monochrome attire and choice of mantilla fall under papal protocol, requiring women who meet with the pope to wear black and a veil, symbolizing respect and modesty. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 Queen Camilla, who was also dressed in traditional black attire and a lace veil (mantilla), as is customary for papal audiences, stood alongside Pope Leo XIV and King Charles at the San Damaso Courtyard. Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 With 2,000-year-old ancient Roman roads and Etruscan tombs, grand villas, papal palaces, charming medieval towns, rolling countryside, and unforgettable food and wine, Lazio has something for every traveler. Fulvio De Bonis, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 That later became the foundational precedent for centuries of papal claims to secular authority over the papal states of the Romagna. JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for papal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin papalis, from Late Latin papa

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of papal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Papal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/papal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

papal

adjective
pa·​pal ˈpā-pəl How to pronounce papal (audio)
: of or relating to the pope or the papacy
papally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on papal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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