episcopal

1 of 2

adjective

epis·​co·​pal i-ˈpi-skə-pəl How to pronounce episcopal (audio)
-bəl
Synonyms of episcopalnext
1
: of or relating to a bishop
2
: of, having, or constituting government by bishops
3
capitalized : of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church representing the Anglican communion in the U.S.
episcopally
i-ˈpi-skə-p(ə-)lē How to pronounce episcopal (audio)
adverb

Episcopal

2 of 2

noun

: episcopalian

Examples of episcopal 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.
Adjective
Haller Suites & Restaurant offers a dining experience with panoramic views over the episcopal town. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Freddie Clayton The Fisherman’s Ring is a signet ring presented to a new pope at his inauguration, as a symbol of his episcopal authority and as the successor of St. Peter, the fisherman apostle and the first pope, who began his papacy around the year 30. — Nbc News, NBC news, 18 May 2025
Noun
Noon Monday-Saturday, St. Richard’s Episcopal Church 5151 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, free, 407-619-5333, orlandobridgeclub.org. Knitting/Crochet Classes: All ages and skill levels are welcome! — Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025 While the project is in the conceptual stage, St. Mary’s leaders are working with Jessica Ripper, a mission real estate portfolio manager with the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for episcopal

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin episcopalis, from episcopus bishop — more at bishop

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of episcopal was in the 15th century

Rhymes for episcopal

See All Rhymes for episcopal

Browse Nearby Words

Episcopal
episcopal
Episcopalian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Episcopal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episcopal. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

episcopal

adjective
epis·​co·​pal i-ˈpis-kə-pəl How to pronounce episcopal (audio)
1
: of or relating to a bishop or episcopacy
2
capitalized : of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church
episcopally
-p(ə-)lē How to pronounce episcopal (audio)
adverb
Etymology

Adjective

derived from Latin episcopus "bishop," from Greek episkopos, literally, "overseer," from epi- "over" and skopos "watcher, goal, object" — related to bishop, horoscope, scope see Word History at bishop

More from Merriam-Webster on episcopal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for episcopal

Nglish: Translation of episcopal for Spanish Speakers

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