episcopate

noun

epis·​co·​pate i-ˈpi-skə-pət How to pronounce episcopate (audio)
-ˌpāt
Synonyms of episcopatenext
1
: the rank or office of or term of as a bishop
2
: diocese
3
: the body of bishops (as in a country)

Examples of episcopate in a Sentence

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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.
Amicable relations had long existed between the Catholic Church in Rome and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, but the Roman episcopate embraced Mussolini’s regime and its aggressive foreign policy in the mid-1930s. — Ian Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022 The selection of Bishop McElroy, whose diocese has never been led by a cardinal, sends a message about the pope’s wish for a more liberal orientation for the U.S. episcopate. — Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, 29 May 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of episcopate was in 1641

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“Episcopate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episcopate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

episcopate

noun
epis·​co·​pate i-ˈpis-kə-pət How to pronounce episcopate (audio)
1
: the rank or office of or term of office of as a bishop
2
: the whole body of bishops

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