archdiocese

noun

arch·​di·​o·​cese (ˌ)ärch-ˈdī-ə-səs How to pronounce archdiocese (audio)
-ˌsēs, 
-ˌsēz
plural archdioceses (ˌ)ärch-ˈdī-ə-sə-səz How to pronounce archdiocese (audio)
-ˌsē-zəz, 
-ˈdī-ə-ˌsēz
: the diocese of an archbishop
archdiocesan
ˌärch-dī-ˈä-sə-sən How to pronounce archdiocese (audio)
also -ˈdī-ə-ˌsē-sᵊn
adjective

Examples of archdiocese 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.
He was removed from the South Side church by an independent review board, and the archdiocese’s Office of Child Protection investigated the claims. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Baniewicz was then restricted from all active ministry in the archdiocese on June 17, 2025, and a safety plan was implemented because of an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor that had just been revealed. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 The archdiocese has opened four new schools in the last four years — and officials are considering opening more. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for archdiocese

Word History

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of archdiocese was in 1762

Rhymes for archdiocese

See All Rhymes for archdiocese

Browse Nearby Words

archdiocesan
archdiocese
archducal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archdiocese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archdiocese. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

archdiocese

noun
arch·​di·​o·​cese (ˈ)ärch-ˈdī-ə-səs How to pronounce archdiocese (audio)
-ˌsēz, 
-ˌsēs
: the diocese of an archbishop
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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